Who is Javier Aguirre? Mexico's manager for FIFA World Cup 2026

Mexico will face South Africa in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 11.

Mexico are set to play South Africa at the Mexico City stadium in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. They secured a spot in the summer competition as co-hosts.

Mexico’s best finish at the World Cup came in 1970 and 1986, when they reached the quarter-finals. Interestingly, on both occasions when they reached the last eight, Mexico were the hosts. Additionally, Italy and West Germany, who recorded victories over Mexico in the tournament, ended their campaigns as the runners-up, respectively.

With very few players in Mexico’s current line-up playing in Europe, the side might look weak on paper. However, with home support on the side, the co-hosts have always given their best. The biggest name in the line-up, Raul Jimenez, who plays for Fulham in England, is also in the twilight phase of his career.

The two-time quarter-finalists have struggled to score goals in recent matches and, for the same reason, have faced criticism from fans. Meanwhile, their defence has managed to perform well in pressure situations, courtesy of Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes’s pair in the defence. The two complement each other effectively in the defence line.

Who is Mexico’s manager Javier Aguirre?

• Nationality: Mexican
• Teams managed: Atlante, Pachuca, Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol, Japan, Al Wahda, Egypt, Leganés, Monterrey, Mallorca, Mexico (three times)
• Joined the current team: July 2024

Javier Aguirre started his managerial career at Atlante in 1995. He joined Mexico’s national team for the first time in July 2001 as the manager before leaving in June of the subsequent year. He later returned as the manager in April 2009 and left the side in June 2010.

In July 2024, he returned as El Tri’s manager for the third time. In his current stint with Mexico, he has helped the side win the CONCACAF Nations League and the Gold Cup.

Javier Aguirre promotes an aggressive style of play, which involves high pressing built with a narrow front three, as he has the fullbacks support the width in his formations. He will be stepping down as Mexico’s manager after the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as his assistant, Rafa Márquez, will take his spot.

Nevertheless, Mexico have got a manageable draw, and they can likely advance to the knockout stage of the summer competition. South Africa, Czechia and South Korea are the other teams drawn alongside Mexico in Group A.

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