Mexico news

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.

The Lions of Teranga controversially beat the Atlas Lions on Sunday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to secure their second continental crown in the last three editions of Afcon. It was another sad and disappointing ending for the North African nation that last conquered Africa in 1976.

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.

South Africa are set to return to the global football showpiece for the first time since 2010, when they hosted the tournament on home soil. Their last successful qualification campaign came when they secured a place at the 2002 edition in South Korea and Japan. Now, the 1996 African champions will be bidding to prove that they truly belong on the elite stage of world football.

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.

Despite San Diego FC’s sporting director and head coach stating that he no longer fits into the club’s plans - and reported interest from Cruz Azul - Hirving “Chucky” Lozano has no intention of leaving the MLS side. Backed by a long-term contract and a record salary, the Mexican winger reportedly wants to remain with the team and is confident he can earn his place, even as the door appears to be closed.

San Diego FC’s abrupt decision to move on from Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano has raised questions about his future at both club and international level. Once the face of the expansion project, the Mexico international is now weighing his next move as interest grows from MLS and Liga MX. GOAL examines five realistic landing spots as Cruz Azul and Atlanta United lead the race.

The Mexican international was lauded as a top signing for the expansion franchise, but the club now face a massive task to move him on

South Africa are fresh from a not-so-satisfying Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) outing in Morocco, where they failed to get past the Round of 16 just two years after finishing third in Ivory Coast. The main focus now is the forthcoming global competition that will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Mexican full back Julián Araujo has joined Celtic on loan for the remainder of the season, the club announced, as he looks to reignite his career following a difficult spell at Bournemouth. Limited Premier League minutes prompted the move, which offers Araujo a chance to regain form and momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.