Mexico news

After struggling for form earlier this season and slipping into a bit-part role at the Brazilians, the 24-year-old has picked himself up by forcing his way back into contention for regular football with some consistency and top performances. His resurgence could soon earn him a recall to the national team.

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.

The possible return of the experienced gaffer to Chloorkop has been quite a hot topic over the recent weeks. With Miguel Cardoso struggling to steady the ship, reports have linked the former Al Ahly tactician to his former club. The three-time CAF Champions League winner has responded to the rumours and revealed the team he would like to coach next.

South Africa return to the world stage at the global football competition, having last featured in the 2010 edition which they hosted. This time, they head to North America determined to make history beyond merely participating but progressing past the group stage for the first time in their history at the tournament.

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.

Although much has been expected from the 22-year-old, he has ended up attracting more criticism than praise. After wasting quite a number of chances against Stellenbosch in a Nedbank Cup encounter, his performance was again negatively scrutinised. But there is hope for the South African star; he has been tipped to become a top goal scorer and even a dependable Bafana asset.

The 20-year-old surprised everyone when his move to MLS was announced in December 2025 shortly before the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup final where he captained his side to victory against Marumo Gallants. In a year in which he had broken into the Bucs first team and Hugo Broos Bafana Bafana set up as a teenager, it was expected that a European football would be his next destination.

The veteran 73-year-old Belgian did not approve of the former Orlando Pirates defender's move to Major League Soccer, which he felt was a waste. He felt the youngster's agent was driven by greed and naivety as opposed to the player's growth in football. The South Africa coach believes TLB is ripe for Europe owing to his talent.

As the Sea Robbers chase domestic trophies on two fronts, players face stiff competition for starting slots. One of the positions that is highly contested in the Buccaneers setup is the creative role behind the strikers, a duty that is considered crucial for any team to function seamlessly. The slot was strengthened in the off-season window, and another top star was added in January, making the contest even tighter.

Although the continental competition took place last year in August, the matter of unpaid bonuses only resurfaced five days ago when Neo Maema revealed they are yet to receive a penny. According to the players' association's top official, they have escalated the matter to the South African Football Association with a view of resolving it once and for all.

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.

South Africa are among the teams that will compete in the global competition scheduled for June. Mzansi will represent the continent alongside eight other nations that secured an automatic spot for the tournament. However, the Belgian tactician might have to do without one of his stars, who has suffered a nasty injury.