Aguirre: "I haven't experienced a greater emotion in all my years in football than the World Cup being in Mexico"

Javier Aguirre, head coach of Mexico, one of the co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup, drew upon memories from the nation's last home World Cup as he prepares for the tournament's opening match against South Africa. This comes four decades after he himself stepped onto the pitch at the Estadio Azteca as a player.

Aguirre stated that no experience in his 50 years in the game could compare to the emotions of a World Cup on home soil. “I haven't experienced a greater emotion in my 50 years in football than a World Cup at home. It's something unforgettable,” the Mexican coach declared.

Javier Aguirre was part of the Mexico squad at the 1986 World Cup, playing in the opening match against Belgium, also at the Azteca. He later went on to manage the national team in the 2002 and 2010 tournaments.

Now, in his third stint as coach, the 67-year-old commented that he has tried to instill confidence in a squad preparing to experience a home World Cup for the first time.

“I remember the confidence with which we faced Belgium. I want to convince the players that this can be a great day for us, that it can be a celebration remembered for decades,” Aguirre explained. He assured that his team is ready for the challenges that come with opening the championship in front of over 80,000 fans, emphasizing that “it's not just about football, but about emotional balance.”