Mexico World Cup schedule 2026: Dates, times, more to know for El Tri at FIFA men’s soccer tournament

Mexico entered the 2026 World Cup with something to prove.

Once considered a rising power in global football, Mexico has failed to make a deep run in recent tournaments. In 2022, El Tri fell in the group stage for the first time since 1978 – but with the opportunity to host in 2026, there is hope for a turnaround.

With El Tri serving as one of three World Cup 2026 hosts, it is the first nation to host the tournament three times, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986.

The Sporting News breaks down Mexico’s path at the 2026 World Cup, the team’s roster, and how it has performed throughout World Cup history.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule

Mexico World Cup schedule, results

Mexico’s group was determined by December 5’s World Cup draw. Mexico was one of 12 teams included in Pot 1 of the draw.

World Cup 2026 Group A

Mexico Group A match schedule

Where to watch Mexico World Cup 2026 games

In the United States, the World Cup will be broadcast in English on Fox, with streaming options available via Fubo, who are offering a free trial.

Here is how you can watch the action across other major territories:

Mexico all-time World Cup groups

Mexico has appeared in the World Cup every year since 1994, and from 1994-2018, they advanced past the group stage in every tournament.

Mexico World Cup snapshot  

While Mexico entered the World Cup draw ranked 15th in the world – a position that would typically place them in Pot 2 – they benefitted from being one of the three host nations and were placed in Pot 1 automatically. The three hosts were guaranteed Pot 1 status and are joined by the nine highest-ranked qualified teams.

Mexico has never won the World Cup but has been a consistent presence in the tournament. The furthest El Tri has advanced is the quarterfinals, reaching that stage in 1970 and 1986. However, in recent years, Mexico’s success has faded, with the team exiting in the group stage in 2022 for the first time since 1978.

• Current FIFA World Ranking: 15 (April 2026)
• World Cup titles: 0
• World Cup appearances (last): 17 (Qatar 2022)
• How Mexico qualified: Automatically (host)
• World Cup record:
  • Games: 60 GP (17 W, 15 D, 28 L)
  • Goal differential: -39 (62 GS, 101 GA)

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

• Who will win the World Cup in 2026?
• Updated FIFA World Rankings
• How World Cup qualifying works
• Explaining the expanded World Cup bracket
• Full list of teams to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Mexico World Cup 2026 preview 

Mexico will be looking to take a long-awaited step forward at the World Cup after their 2022 misstep. With a coaching change since, then, as Javier Aguirre took over, they’ll be hoping that hosting is the boost they need – both of Mexico’s previous quarterfinal runs came on home soil.

With Edson Alvarez captaining, and Raul Jimenez having experience in three World Cups, Mexico will be seeking to keep its momentum going after winning the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

• Star Players: Edson Alvarez, Raul Jimenez
• Players to Watch: Gilberto Mora, Guillermo Ochoa

Who is Mexico head coach?

Mexico underwent a coaching change after its lack of success at Qatar in 2022. In July 2024, Javier Aguirre took on the job. The 67-year-old also coached Mexico from 2001-02 and 2009-10.

Aguirre, a former midfielder, played for Mexico in the 1986 World Cup. In the past, he’s also managed Egypt and Japan’s national teams. 

Under Aguirre’s leadership since 2024, Mexico won its first Nations League title in 2025, as well as his second Gold Cup.

• Manager (Nationality): Javier Aguirre (Mexico)
• Date hired: July 22, 2024
• Record as national team manager (W-L-D): 17-4-8 (third stint only)
• Major titles since hire: Nations League (2025)
• Notable victories: 
  • 2-1 over Panama in Nations League Final 2025
  • 2-1 over U.S. in Gold Cup Final 2025

Mexico roster at the World Cup 2026

Raul Jimenez is one of Mexico’s most experienced players, set to bring plenty of World Cup know-how to the 2026 squad. He’ll be one of their key players at the event. 

Edson Alvarez is another player, in the defensive midfield, who has continued to grow for the national team, and he’ll play a significant role at the World Cup. Hirving Lozano, who scored the only goal in an upset of defending champion Germany in 2018, was one of the more surprising names left off the roster.

In terms of young talent, look no further than 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who started in the Gold Cup final – the young star could make a big name for himself on the global stage. At the other end of the scale, El Tri welcomed back Guillermo Ochoa for a sixth World Cup at the age of 40.

Mexico starting XI vs. South Africa (formation: 4-3-3)

R. Rangel (GK)

I. Reyes, C. Montes, J. Vazquez, J. Gallardo

A. Fidalgo, E. Lira, B. Gutierrez

 R. Alvarado, R. Jimenez, J. Quinones

Strengths: 

• Experience: Considering Mexico has played in the last eight World Cups, it has experience on its side. Jesus Gallardo and Raul Jimenez both have over 100 caps, while Edson Alvarez isn’t far behind at 95. Ochoa has played more than 150 times for the national team.
• Home Soil: Historically, Mexico has played its best when hosting the World Cup, making its deepest runs in 1986 and 1970. Could the home fans be enough to give them a boost in 2026?

Weaknesses: 

• Star Power: Compared to some other top teams, especially within Pot 1, Mexico lacks a superstar face. Gilberto Mora is viewed as and up-and-coming star, but he is still going to be 17 years old at the World Cup; unless he can help put Mexico on his back, there aren’t many best-of-the-best players for the team.

Mexico roster for 2026 World Cup

Below is the confirmed list of 26 players named to the Mexico roster.

Caps and stats correct as of May 20.

Mexico World Cup history

Mexico has never won the World Cup, but has made plenty of appearances, with their furthest run being a pair of quarter-finals appearances.

Stats correct before 2026.

• World Cups appearances: 17
• Best finish: Quarterfinals (1986, 1970)
• All-time goals scored: 62
• All-time goals conceded: 101
• All-time record (W-L-D): 17-28-15

*Host 

Mexico World Cup 2026 betting odds

Below are the odds for Mexico to be eliminated at each stage of the tournament. Odds are via Draftkings in the U.S., correct as of June 10.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

• Last time the World Cup was in United States
• Revisiting the first World Cup in 1930
• Most World Cup wins by country
• Future World Cup locations for 2030 and beyond
• Guide to host countries, cities for 2026 World Cup