The debate over who is the greatest player of all time usually begins and ends with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Fulham striker Raul Jimenez believes there is one specific department where he stands head and shoulders above the legendary duo. The Mexico international has established himself as one of the most reliable figures in world football from the penalty spot, and he isn’t afraid to let the world know about his clinical edge when the pressure is at its highest, also ranking himself above Harry Kane.
Mexican-American defender Richard Ledezma revealed it was a personal dream of his to represent Mexico after scoring his first international goal for the national team in a 4-0 exhibition win over Iceland. Despite previously receiving a cap from the USMNT, the 25-year-old was quick to point out his Mexico pride after recently completing a one-time switch.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reaffirmed the organization’s full support for Mexico as a host nation for the 2026 World Cup, expressing strong confidence in the country’s leadership despite ongoing security challenges. As FIFA continues to monitor the situation, the governing body made clear that no changes are being considered to the tournament schedule.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed it's reassessing plans for its upcoming trip to Mexico after recent security alerts issued across multiple regions of the country. Portugal are scheduled to face the Mexico on March 28 as part of the reopening festivities for Estadio Banorte, formerly Estadio Azteca.
FIFA is monitoring the security situation in Mexico after incidents reported across multiple states in recent hours, according to ESPN. The governing body of world football asked for internal reports detailing the developments, particularly in Guadalajara, Jalisco — one of the host cities for the World Cup and a venue set to stage matches in the intercontinental playoff tournament.
Former Manchester United striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez showed his sensitive and compassionate side after being reduced to tears by a viral sensation. The 37-year-old Mexican legend took to social media to share his heartfelt reaction to the story of Punch, a baby macaque at Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo. The infant monkey has gained global sympathy after being rejected by its parents and seeking solace in a stuffed orangutan toy.
Mexican football has been plunged into a state of uncertainty following the news that several high-profile fixtures have been postponed due to a major security crisis. The decision to call off the matches came swiftly after the Mexican army killed the leader of one of the country's most powerful drug cartels in a town situated just two hours from Guadalajara, a key host city for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The death of the high-ranking figure has sparked immediate concerns over public safety across multiple states.
The Mexico National Team announced its official roster for the friendly match against Iceland, which will be played on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Estadio Corregidora in the city of Querétaro. Once again, Chivas is the club contributing the most players to the squad, with seven representatives. The players selected by head coach Javier Aguirre must report starting Sunday.
Bryan Lozano publicly criticized his brother Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, accusing the Mexican winger of arrogance and repeated conflicts with coaches at Napoli, PSV and now San Diego FC. The remarks come at a delicate moment in Hirving Lozano’s career, with uncertainty surrounding his role in MLS and growing questions about his future ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico have announced three additional friendlies against Australia, Ghana, and Serbia as part of their final preparations for the 2026 World Cup. El Tri will open the tournament on June 11 against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. The matches are designed to limit travel and fine-tune the squad before the global showcase on home soil.
With just weeks until Mexico face Portugal in a high-profile friendly, Portuguese media report growing concern over renovation delays at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, now renamed Estadio Banorte. While organizers insist the venue will be ready for March 28, uncertainty has sparked speculation about a potential change of site for the match - and even future World Cup fixtures.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series to mark the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we travel to Mexico, the only country to host three World Cups. From Pele’s triumph in 1970 to Diego Maradona’s magic in 1986, and now to the celebration set for 2026, it’s the story of a nation where football is not just played, but lived; a land of goals, history, and unending passion.
Obed Vargas is set for a major step forward, leaving the Seattle Sounders to join Atlético Madrid. While several LaLiga clubs had expressed interest in a potential loan move, Atlético plan to keep the 20-year-old midfielder in Madrid, where he is expected to join the first team. Vargas impressed as a homegrown player for Seattle, making 91 appearances.
Mexican striker Julián Quiñones continues his red-hot run in the Saudi Pro League, scoring his 17th goal of the season in Al-Qadsiah’s draw against league leaders Al-Hilal. His powerful header in the 76th minute extended his scoring streak to eight straight matches and temporarily lifted him above Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race.
Mexico wrapped up their first short preparation tour of 2026 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bolivia, giving manager Javier Aguirre two victories from two matches using an all–Liga MX squad. Playing in extreme heat and hostile conditions, El Tri faced a physical Bolivian side that pushed them to the limit before Germán Berterame delivered the decisive moment.
AC Milan striker Santiago Giménez believes Mexico can defy expectations and lift the World Cup in 2026. Motivated by missing out on Qatar 2022, Giménez embraces his role as a dreamer and leader, convinced that belief, unity, and attacking partnerships - including a potential duo with Raúl Jiménez - can push El Tri toward a historic summer on home soil.
The 2026 World Cup will be unlike any before it - bigger in size and scope, without a clear favorite, and staged in some of the most iconic venues in world sport. Here’s everything worth knowing.
Mexican-American midfielder Obed Vargas is edging closer to a move to Europe, with reports suggesting a deal could be completed as early as next week. Despite interest from Liga MX sides such as Club América, the Seattle Sounders prospect remains focused on a European transfer as he pushes to strengthen his Mexico World Cup credentials.
Mic'd Up: The former USMNT striker talked about the pre-World Cup mindset, the U.S. striker situation and why Mexico will always be the team under the most pressure.
The January 2026 FIFA World Ranking was heavily influenced by the conclusion of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with several African nations making major gains. Senegal’s strong tournament run pushed them up seven places to 12th overall, directly affecting both the USMNT and Mexico, who dropped to 15th and 16th, respectively.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre has unveiled his squad for January friendlies against Panama and Bolivia, with Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez among the standout names. With no European-based players available outside the FIFA window, the call-up leans entirely on Liga MX talent as El Tri begin a key pre-World Cup evaluation phase.
FIFA says it received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup during its month-long Random Selection Draw application window, highlighting unprecedented global demand for the first-ever 48-team tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The window ran from Dec. 11 through Jan. 13 following December’s World Cup draw and schedule release.
Mexico
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