'There isn’t as much excitement as in other World Cups' - Mexico legend Hugo Sánchez concerned about lack of enthusiasm for 2026 World Cup

Just over a year before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the atmosphere around the tournament isn’t quite what many had hoped - at least not for Hugo Sánchez. The former Real Madrid striker and World Cup veteran from 1978, 1986, and 1994 didn’t miss the chance to point out that Mexican soccer is far from its best, even with a World Cup coming to home soil.

“No, sadly not. There’s enthusiasm, there’s hope, there’s excitement… but it feels more like setting out on an adventure,” said the five-time Pichichi winner during a tribute in his honor at the Sports Summit in Mexico City. “There’s just not as much excitement as in other World Cups when we had more quality, more talent, and when things were taken more seriously. Right now, the national team isn’t as prepared as it was in past editions - especially not like in '86. I feel that the golden years for the national team were from '86 to '94. And 1993, no doubt - we showed back then that Mexico was operating at a high level and we were close to the footballing giants.”

It’s not unusual for Sánchez to make bold statements when it comes to the Mexican national team - after all, the former coach still feels he was never truly given a fair shot during his stint at the helm of El Tri from 2006 to 2008. He was ultimately dismissed after failing to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics through the CONCACAF Pre-Olympic tournament.

While it’s true that this current generation may not be among Mexico’s most talented, the recent Nations League title did help bring back some joy and hope to the fans.

The next big test - and one that could either validate or challenge Sánchez’s claims - will come this summer, as Mexico defend their Gold Cup crown.

“I don’t feel the same excitement anymore. Not as much. But I’ll still support my country in that sporting sense.”

Sánchez also took the opportunity to reflect on his brief tenure as head coach of the Mexican national team back in 2008. He made it clear that, had he received full support from the federation, Mexico could have already lifted a World Cup trophy.

“I was fully committed back then for 2010, but I didn’t get the support I needed. It would have been a pleasure to be backed the way I asked to be - my plan was to lead the team through three World Cup cycles: South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, and Russia 2018. That’s when I truly committed to making Mexico world champion.”

Mexico prepare to defend their Gold Cup crown. Before that, El Tri will play two friendly matches - facing Switzerland on June 7 in Utah, followed by a match against Turkey on June 10 in North Carolina. The Gold Cup campaign kicks off on June 14, when Mexico takes on the Dominican Republic.