Mexico's dream of a first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1970 was again deferred four years as El Tri fell 3-2 to England on Sunday, July 5, in a round of 16 thriller at the Estadio Azteca.
It marks the end of an era for the Mexico national team, with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa playing his last Cup. Other veterans like forward Raúl Jiménez and left back Jesús Gallardo haven't announced their plans for their international future, but time is working against them making the 2030 World Cup squad that will try to make a run in Spain/Portugal/Morocco.
Still, the future feels bright for the Mexico national team. El Tri legend Rafa Márquez steps into the managerial role ready to lead a team that already has fielded the youngest World Cup knockout match starter since Pelé in Gilberto Mora and had five players 23 or younger in their 26-man squad at this tournament.
So, what will the team look like when they once again search for a round of 16 win four years from now? It's clearly way too early to say, but we've projected what Márquez's starting XI will look like.
New players will emerge. Injuries will happen. Players in form now will fade and fail to make it to 2030. Others who seem washed up will make the 2030 squad, to our surprise (Gallardo wasn't on our list in 2022 and started every match of the 2026 tournament except the final group game against Czechia).
It marks the end of an era for the Mexico national team, with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa playing his last Cup. Other veterans like forward Raúl Jiménez and left back Jesús Gallardo haven't announced their plans for their international future, but time is working against them making the 2030 World Cup squad that will try to make a run in Spain/Portugal/Morocco.
Still, the future feels bright for the Mexico national team. El Tri legend Rafa Márquez steps into the managerial role ready to lead a team that already has fielded the youngest World Cup knockout match starter since Pelé in Gilberto Mora and had five players 23 or younger in their 26-man squad at this tournament.
So, what will the team look like when they once again search for a round of 16 win four years from now? It's clearly way too early to say, but we've projected what Márquez's starting XI will look like.
New players will emerge. Injuries will happen. Players in form now will fade and fail to make it to 2030. Others who seem washed up will make the 2030 squad, to our surprise (Gallardo wasn't on our list in 2022 and started every match of the 2026 tournament except the final group game against Czechia).
3 months ago
