'We respect every opponent, give our best every game'

FIFA-ranked 14th, hosts eye home advantage

Mexico national team players warm up at the national training center in Mexico City on Monday (local time) ahead of their opening match at the 2026 North America World Cup. [Yonhap]
Mexico national team players warm up at the national training center in Mexico City on Monday (local time) ahead of their opening match at the 2026 North America World Cup. [Yonhap]

Mexico, who face South Korea in the second match of Group A at the 2026 North America World Cup, have set their sights on finishing top of the group — a goal that assumes a win over the Taeguk Warriors.

Mexico defender Mateo Chavez of AZ Alkmaar told reporters Tuesday at the national training center in Mexico City that topping the group is the team's clear objective. "It's not an obsession, but the goal is clear," he said. "We want to make history."

Mexico, coached by Javier Aguirre, open their World Cup campaign against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium at 4 a.m. Friday.

One of the co-hosts and a powerhouse in CONCACAF football, Mexico will then face South Korea — led by head coach Hong Myung-bo — at 10 a.m. June 19 in their second group-stage match.

Mexico are the highest-ranked side in Group A at No. 14 in the FIFA rankings, with South Korea close behind at No. 25, making the two teams the most likely contenders for first place.

Chavez moved from the domestic league to Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar last year and made his senior international debut there. He is now preparing for his first World Cup. "Seeing people gradually show more expectation and support for us gives us strength," he said, pledging a strong performance in the opener.

Center back Johan Vasquez of Genoa also named a group-stage top finish as his goal, while stressing that the team would "respect every opponent and give our best in every match."

Vasquez helped Mexico win bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and was included in the final squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, though he did not appear in any matches.

Midfielder Bryan Gutierrez of Guadalajara said the team approaches every game with joy. "We try to play every match like we're having fun in the backyard," he said. "Of course, this tournament carries a greater sense of responsibility — it's a dream stage. Our squad is very united, and that shows on the pitch."


yjc@heraldcorp.com