Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre admits the qualification of Czechia is tough for Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup that contains South Africa and South Korea.
The co-hosts open the tournament on 11 June at Estadio Azteca against Bafana Bafana before taking on the Asian giants and ending off with the Europeans – who qualified via the ply-offs, beating Denmark on Tuesday on penalties.
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Back in Deecember he said he would never underestimate the challenge of Bafana and stated they are not the same playing style as the North African giants who were proposed as friendlies to prepare his nation for the World Cup. Instead they have chosen to face Ghana in June, after a 0-0 draw against Portigal and 1-1 draw against Belgium in the international window that just passed.
“The Czech Republic is a very organised team, without any big stars; but they are a very serious team, it’s going to be tough,” he said about their qualification, as per Ovaciones.
“It’s reassuring to know who the opponent is: first we’ll play South Africa, then Korea , and finally the Czech Republic.”
Amidst the preparation for the World Cup on home soil, Aguirre has come under criticism from supporters in his homeland over the lack of victories leading to the World Cup, with just three wins in 11 friendlies coming against Panama, Iceland and Bolivia.
But all three games were outside the FIFA window – which saw them play with alternative squads, leading the coach to be questioned by the media in recent weeks.
“I don’t know if there is a debt [of victories]; I haven’t seen the millions of Mexicans [opinion]; I don’t have social media, but I see people hopeful hopefully one day the debt that some feel will be paid off.
“I think my team gained in personality [in this period], I am doing the selection process with the issue of balance, the list will not be to everyone’s liking, but the players I trust are those with the greatest mental strength.”
