Javier Aguirre refused to get carried away after Mexico topped a World Cup group for the first time in 24 years, insisting the achievement meant little unless his side could go on and make a deeper mark in the tournament.
Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the knockout stage at the 2026 World Cup, claiming top spot in Group A with a 1-0 victory over South Korea in Guadalajara on 18 June. The win mirrored the feat of Aguirre’s own 2002 side, with the 67-year-old now coaching Mexico at a third World Cup.
“I didn’t know that statistic,” Aguirre told reporters. “It’s anecdotal. It was anecdotal in 2002 and it’s anecdotal now because what matters in the end is the final position.”
The result guarantees Mexico at least one knockout-stage match on home soil in Mexico City, something Aguirre acknowledged as a significant advantage.
“There’s nothing like playing at home, it’s priceless,” he said. “The Mexico factor is hugely important.”
Mexico had been nervy in their tournament opener against South Africa, but Aguirre said his players had responded well and shown greater maturity against South Korea.
“Today we learned from our mistakes. We weren’t spectacular, but we played a good match. That speaks to the team’s maturity. We were much more patient.”
When asked what distinguished this squad from previous Mexican sides he had managed, Aguirre smiled before replying: “This team has a calmer coach.”
He joked that he had long since stopped waging battles over players using mobile phones and had softened considerably from the intense figure who led Mexico in 2002 and 2010.
“I’m much more relaxed and composed now,” he said. “Age helps. Two granddaughters help.”
With the final group match against the Czech Republic still to come, Aguirre was careful to manage expectations while also making clear he believed this squad had room to grow.
“I want to convince my players that we can get into the top 10 in the world,” he said. “That would be something very special for us.”
