Aguirre delighted as Mexico reaches World Cup round of 16
By Joel Masibo, July 1, 2026Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre expressed his pride after guiding the national team into the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16, describing the achievement as especially meaningful following disappointments during his previous tenures in charge.
Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over Ecuador on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage triumph. Their last win beyond the group phase came when they hosted the competition in 1986, a tournament in which Aguirre featured as a player.
Now aged 67, Aguirre previously led Mexico at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, with both campaigns ending in the first knockout round.
“It means a lot to me,” Aguirre said. “I was never able to play that fifth match. It happened in South Korea and Japan [in 2002] and in South Africa [in 2010]. We had good group stages but we couldn’t move forward.”
He also commended his squad for their togetherness after first-half strikes from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez earned Mexico a fourth consecutive World Cup victory without allowing a goal.
“I can tell you that this team deserves what is happening,” he said. “There is a special connection with the fans and the privilege of playing a World Cup at home.”
“Today we’re among the last 16 and we’ve been together for a long time. We’re very happy and highly focused. We’re a true family, and that’s difficult to find in football. The players, the coaching staff and everyone working behind the scenes. There is a lot of unity.”
Next challenge
Mexico will now face the winners of Wednesday’s round-of-32 clash between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Looking ahead, Aguirre insisted his side would respect either opponent while prioritizing recovery before the next fixture.
“We’ll watch the match [between England and DR Congo] and recover as best we can between now and Sunday,” he said. “We’ll keep our spirits up during the week and do our best to play another good match,” the tactician added.