'Yes, we’re favorites' - Mexico's Javier Aguirre isn't backing away from Gold Cup title expectations

For the Mexico national team, winning any CONCACAF tournament is not just a goal—it’s an expectation. That pressure is something veteran manager Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre fully embraces as he prepares to lead El Tri into the 2025 Gold Cup, where Mexico will aim to defend their 2023 title and capture a record-extending 10th championship.

Fresh off winning the CONCACAF Nations League—ending the recent dominance of the United States—Aguirre made it clear that Mexico welcome the favorites tag but recognizes the level of competition they’ll face.

“Yes, we are favorites. The numbers and history speak for themselves—we have the responsibility to be title contenders. I accept that label, but we also respect every opponent,” Aguirre said during a press conference. “We’re not the only favorites. The teams that reached the Nations League Final Four—Canada, the U.S., and some strong Central American sides—will also be tough rivals.”

One of the more emotionally charged matchups in the upcoming Gold Cup will see Mexico face off against Costa Rica, now coached by Miguel Herrera—a familiar name in Mexican football.

“It fills me with pride to see Miguel building his career abroad,” said Aguirre. “We all take a risk when we leave Mexico. I’ve been in that position. Miguel Herrera Aguirre, he’s my 'cousin', and facing him will be special—both professionally and personally.”

Aguirre also shared his thoughts on the evolving U.S. national team, now under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino. While acknowledging the Americans are not at their peak, Aguirre sees them as a formidable opponent.

“Mauricio’s track record speaks for itself. I actually replaced him at Espanyol before he went on to succeed in England,” Aguirre recalled. “He’s a coach who values possession and control. International football is never easy, but with the kind of talent the U.S. has in Europe, they’ll be a serious threat.”

Mexico recently snapped a long winless streak against the United States with a 2-0 victory in a 2024 friendly match. Prior to that, El Tri had failed to defeat the USMNT in seven consecutive games—losing five and drawing two.

The two regional powerhouses could meet again in this summer’s Gold Cup. If both sides top their respective groups, a potential showdown awaits in the final. However, should either team finish second, they may cross paths as early as the quarterfinals.

With Club América set to face LAFC in a play-in match for a spot in the Club World Cup on May 31 — a spot left vacant after León’s withdrawal— Aguirre acknowledged that scheduling conflicts with the Gold Cup could impact national team call-ups. Still, he hopes players will prioritize international duty.

“If América qualifies, yes, it could affect our roster,” he admitted. “But we have a pool of 60 players, and we can put together a competitive squad. Personally, I believe most players would choose to represent their country at the Gold Cup, especially with the World Cup just a year away. I know I would.”

As part of their final preparations, El Tri will play two friendly matches on U.S. soil — facing Switzerland on June 7 and Turkey on June 10. These games will serve as key tune-ups ahead of their Gold Cup opener.