Aguirre invites 1986 World Cup legends to inspire Mexico ahead of tournament
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 1:22 AM
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
Coach Javier Aguirre has welcomed veterans from Mexico's 1986 World Cup squad and boxing icon Julio César Chávez to the team's base camp as they prepare for the co-hosted 2026 World Cup. With a focus on mental preparation, Aguirre stresses the importance of home advantage and shared cultural experiences, including a visit to an anthropology museum. Chávez encouraged the players to dream big and pursue a historic run, aiming to surpass past performances where Mexico has not advanced beyond the round of 16. The squad's opening match is set for Thursday against South Africa in Mexico City.
- •Aguirre emphasizes mental strength and home advantage for the World Cup.
- •Chávez motivated players to aim beyond traditional expectations.
- •Mexico opens its World Cup campaign Thursday against South Africa.
- •The tournament format now requires reaching six matches for the quarterfinals.
- •The team has previously struggled to advance past the round of 16 since 1994.
- 1:22 AMYahoo Sports — Aguirre ramps up Mexico’s World Cup mind games with 1986 heroes and Julio César Chávez
"As Mexico prepares to co-host the World Cup, coach Javier Aguirre isn’t just focusing on tactical drills and physical fitness. To spark that fire, El Tri’s base camp at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento has recently welcomed some heavy-hitting inspiration: veterans from Mexico’s 1986 World Cup squad and boxing great Julio César Chávez. “The idols change, the uniforms evolve, but the pride of representing Mexico remains intact,” Mikel Arriola, commissioner of the Mexican Football Federation, said.
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