CONCACAF · Group A · Host nation
Mexico at FIFA World Cup 2026
Mexico qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group A opponents
Mexico plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
Mexico fixtures
Mexico in the tournament
Mexico arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #17 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 75/100 and the home advantage of being a co-host. CONCACAF (North, Central America, and Caribbean) sends 6 teams, including the three co-hosts who qualify automatically.
The 48-team format puts Mexico in Group A with South Africa, South Korea, Czechia. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #35, with Mexico the top-ranked side. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
Mexico squad for World Cup 2026
Announced June 1, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Javier Aguirre
Co-hosts Mexico open the World Cup against South Africa at Estadio Azteca. Guillermo Ochoa (now 39, at AEL Limassol) makes his record-tying sixth World Cup appearance alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Edson Alvarez anchors the midfield; veteran Raul Jimenez and AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez lead the attack. Javier "El Vasco" Aguirre, in his third stint as El Tri manager, must restore national pride after disappointing recent tournaments.
Goalkeepers3
- Guillermo Ochoa(AEL Limassol)Record sixth World Cup; tied with Messi and Ronaldo
- Raul Rangel(Guadalajara)
- Carlos Acevedo(Santos Laguna)
Defenders6
- Jesus Gallardo(Toluca)
- Cesar Montes(Lokomotiv Moscow)
- Jorge Sanchez(PAOK)
- Johan Vasquez(Genoa)
- Israel Reyes(America)
- Mateo Chavez(AZ)
Midfielders10
- Edson AlvarezCaptain(Fenerbahce)
- Orbelin Pineda(AEK Athens)
- Roberto Alvarado(Guadalajara)
- Luis Romo(Guadalajara)
- Luis Chavez(Dynamo Moscow)
- Erik Lira(Cruz Azul)
- Gilberto Mora(Tijuana)
- Brian Gutierrez(Guadalajara)
- Obed Vargas(Atletico Madrid)
- Alvaro Fidalgo(Real Betis)
Forwards7
- Raul Jimenez(Fulham)
- Alexis Vega(Toluca)
- Santiago Gimenez(AC Milan)
- Cesar Huerta(Anderlecht)
- Julian Quinones(Al Qadsiah)
- Guillermo Martinez(UNAM)
- Armando Gonzalez(Guadalajara)
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Al Jazeera. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Frequently asked questions about Mexico
When does Mexico play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mexico plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 11, 2026. The opener is against RSA. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is Mexico in at the World Cup 2026?
Mexico is in Group A alongside South Africa, South Korea, Czechia. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is Mexico's FIFA ranking?
Mexico entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #17 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the top 25 globally. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can Mexico win the World Cup 2026?
Mexico's pre-tournament strength rating is 75/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are realistic dark horses capable of reaching the latter rounds. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.