▲ Mateo Chavez speaks with reporters at the Mexican national team training center on June 9 (local time).
Players from Mexico, the host nation that will face the South Korean national football team in their second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have expressed confidence ahead of the tournament, setting their sights on finishing first in their group.
Mexican national team fullback Mateo Chavez (AZ Alkmaar) met with reporters at the national training center in Mexico City on June 9 (local time) and stated, "Our goal is to finish first in the group." He added, "It's not that we are obsessed, but the goal is clear. We want to make history."
The Mexican national team, led by head coach Javier Aguirre, will play the official opening match of the North and Central American World Cup against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium at 4:00 AM on June 12 (KST).
Mexico, a powerhouse in North and Central American football and one of the co-hosts, is in Group A. Following their opening match against South Africa, they will face South Korea, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, in their second match at 10:00 AM on June 19 (KST).
In Group A, Mexico holds the highest FIFA ranking at 14th, followed by South Korea at 25th.
Chavez, who played in his domestic league before joining the Dutch Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar last year and making his senior national team debut, is preparing for his first-ever World Cup. "I gain strength from seeing people increasingly expect more from us and show their support," he said, pledging a victory in the opening match.
He further emphasized, "We want to make our fans happy and go as far as we possibly can."
Center-back Johan Vasquez (Genoa) also set a first-place finish as the goal, while stating, "We will respect every opponent and do our best in every match."
Vasquez, who contributed to Mexico's men's football bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, was included in the final roster for the 2022 Qatar World Cup but did not play in any matches.
Because of this, he said firmly, "This tournament is an opportunity to make up for the disappointment of the last World Cup. I think this time will be different," adding, "I have a desperate desire to help my teammates and to make the fans happy and proud."
Vasquez continued to express his anticipation, saying, "The World Cup is a special experience, and it is even more special this time because it is being held in Mexico. We will be great hosts, and it will be a wonderful tournament."
Midfielder Brian Gutierrez (Guadalajara), who also joined the interview, pledged a strong performance, saying, "I try to enjoy every match as if I were playing in my backyard. Of course, this tournament is a dream-like stage that comes with greater responsibility," adding, "Our team is very united, and that shows on the pitch."
Born in the United States and holding dual citizenship in the U.S. and Mexico, Gutierrez played two international matches for the U.S. last year. However, he went through the nationality change process to join the Mexican national team this year and was named to the final World Cup roster.
He also led his team to a 2-0 victory by scoring the opening winning goal in a friendly match against Ghana last month.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.