Mexico's New Beginning: With Santiago Giménez and Fresh Wind Back to Former Strength

07.05.2026 10:30 チーム・選手
Mexico stands at a decisive chapter in its football history. As co-host of the 2026 World Cup alongside the USA and Canada, "El Tri" wants to finally leave the trauma of Qatar 2022 behind. Back then, the team exited in the group stage for the first time since 1978 – a shock that shook the football-crazy nation to its core. Now a new generation led by striker star Santiago Giménez is supposed to bring about the turnaround. The 24-year-old forward, who transferred to AC Milan in February 2025 after strong years at Feyenoord Rotterdam, is regarded as a beacon of hope for an entire nation. "Bebote," as fans affectionately call him, combines goal instinct, robustness and mental maturity – qualities that Mexican attack has often lacked in recent years. His father Christian Giménez was already a celebrated professional in Mexico, but Santiago has the potential to reach other heights. In the Dutch Eredivisie, he caught attention with over 60 goals in two seasons and established himself as one of Europe's most clinical strikers. But Giménez is not alone. Coach Javier Aguirre, who took over the helm after his return in August 2024, relies on a mix of experienced players and young talents. Players like Edson Álvarez (West Ham), Luis Chávez and lightning-quick winger Julián Quiñones form the framework of a team that should free itself from the lethargy of the past. Aguirre, who has already led Mexico to two World Cups, knows the challenges exactly and is regarded as the ideal man for this transition phase. The sporting balance since Aguirre took office has been mixed. At the 2025 Gold Cup, "El Tri" showed improvement over long stretches and won the title – an important step in restoring confidence. Friendly matches against European top nations also went promisingly, although the defense repeatedly revealed weaknesses. One thing is clear: by the opening match in Mexico City in summer 2026, the team must gain significantly more consistency. One advantage that Mexican fans cannot overestimate enough is the atmosphere in the legendary Estadio Azteca, which after comprehensive modernization will host the World Cup opening match. Over 80,000 spectators will fervently support the team – a home advantage that has made the difference in tournament history many times before. Already in 1970 and 1986, Mexico benefited from home crowds and reached the quarterfinals both times. This benchmark is now the minimum target, though internally there are even dreams of reaching the semifinals for the first time. Mexican football officials have learned from the mistakes of the past. Instead of relying completely on stars like Hirving Lozano or Raúl Jiménez once did, they deliberately focus on generational change. Young professionals from the MX League, supplemented by seasoned European players, are meant to establish a fresh playing style – bolder, more pressing, more modern. Whether the plan works out remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Mexico is burning to finally make sporting history at its third World Cup hosting – after 1970 and 1986. With Santiago Giménez as figurehead and a hungry young generation, 2026 could indeed be the summer when "El Tri" finds its way back to the world elite.