The selection of Mexico was one of the three teams that finished the group stage of the 2026 World Cup with nine pointsalong with the pictures of France and Argentinaafter adding three victories. Therefore, those led by Javier Aguirre They trust in their ability to reach the goals for the first time. semi-finals of a World Cup.
However, to difference of France and Argentina, the Mexican team was the unique who led his group without conceding goalsafter beating 2-0 South Africa1-0 to South Korea and 3-0 to Czech Republic. Therefore, the highlight was the defensive sector of the Tricolorwhich, in addition to defendbecame the first offensive line.
Furthermore, as Mexico arrived at the third day already classified for the round of 32the team had the luxury of saying goodbye on the field to one of its greatest legends: goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoawho, in his sixth World Cup call-up, played the last 30 minutes against the Czech Republic to say goodbye to the team.
However, in the next round the Tricolor will face one of the strongest teams in South America: Ecuadorwhich, despite having classified this phase as third place in its group, below Germany and Ivory Coastcontinues to be a team characterized by its great physical intensity, high pressure and deployment.
The possible alignment of the Tricolor
Goalkeeper: Raúl Rangel
After the tribute to Guillermo Ochoa in the last 30 minutes of the match against the Czech Republic, the Mexican goal will once again be in charge of Raul Rangelbecause the goalkeeper of the Chivas del Guadalajara He has stood out in the cup for his speed of reaction to close-range shots and his ability to reduce spaces.
Defense: Gallardo, Vásquez, Montes and Sánchez
Although no Tricolor defender repeated as a starter in the three group stage games, these four were the unique who were in the starting eleven in two of the three games: Jesús Gallardo, Johan Vásquez, César Montes and Jorge Sánchez. However, this defensive line has not yet started none World Cup party together.
Midfield: Romo, Lira and Gutiérrez
As in the defense, the rotation in Mexico has left only three midfielders who have started in two of the three group stage games: Luis Romo, Érik Lira and Brian Gutiérrez. However, unlike the defensive backline, this midfield line did start the second round game against South Korea together.
Attack: Alvarado, Quiñones and Jiménez or Martínez?
Not counting Raúl Rangel, the only two outfield players who started in all three group stage matches were Roberto Alvarado and Julián Quiñonesin the attack. Faced with this scenario, the main question is whether they will be accompanied by Raúl Jimenez or William Martineztaking into account the defensive strength of Ecuador.
The substitutes that can change the course of Mexico
In the Mexican team there is substitutes with great unbalance capacity that usually enter the second half, like Mateo Chávez, Israel Reyes, Gilberto Mora and Edson Álvarez, Therefore, the coaching staff of Mexican coach Javier Aguirre will have to read the game to know when to use them against Ecuador.
Likewise, the Tricolor has several figures on the bench who are still waiting for their opportunity to shine in the World Cup, such as he AC Milan striker Santiago Giménez, the Anderlecht striker, Cesar Huertaand the Real Betis midfielder, Alvaro Fidalgowho scored against Czech Republic on the third day of the group stage.
Fine-tuning the final details for our match against Ecuador. 💪
Tomorrow we have a date with history, Unconditional. 🫡 🇲🇽#SomosMexico 💚 pic.twitter.com/fca8lTxB32
— National Team (@miseleccionmx) June 29, 2026