The 2026 World Cup is edging closer, with co-hosts Mexico set to open the tournament on June 11 against South Africa. A good run for all the hosts will benefit the competition as a whole, and ahead of Mexico’s opener, the squad received a huge boost when they were treated to a surprise visit from Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), and three-weight boxing world champion Julio Cesar Chavez. Both spoke to the squad, with Chavez delivering a motivational speech for El Tri.
Mexico Ready for 2026 World Cup Opener
El Tri Receive Boost Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Led by Javier Aguirre, Mexico will be eager to make a splash at the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts, naming the following squad:
Goalkeepers: Raúl Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo
Defenders: Israel Reyes, Jesús Gallardo, Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Mateo Chávez
Midfielders: Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Brian Gutiérrez, Orbelín Pineda, Edson Álvarez, Gilberto Mora, César Huerta, Álvaro Fidalgo, Luis Chávez
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Alexis Vega, Julián Quiñones, Santiago Giménez, Guillermo Martínez, Armando González, Raúl Jiménez
Read More: FIFA World Cup Host Nations USA, Canada, and Mexico Set Final 26 Man Squads
Sulaiman and Chavez Deliver 2026 World Cup Boost for El Tri
Mauricio Sulaiman and Julio Cesar Chavez visited the national squad at a private dinner at the High Performance Center ahead of their June 11 opener against South Africa, where they delivered messages of inspiration for the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Despite starting as a normal dinner, a surprise visit soon ensued, sparking excitement among the squad. Standing alongside the Mexican national team’s Sporting Director Duilio Davino and head coach Aguirre was Sulaiman, who said: “It is a true honor to be here alongside the greatest glory of Mexican boxing, and I thank you all very much for having us. May every drop of sweat and tears, all your effort, be worth it. God bless you, long live Mexico, and long live all of you.”
Read More: CONEMBOL Sides Set World Cup Squads With Neymar Making the Cut for Brazil
Chavez soon took centre stage and shared unique experiences from his time as a World Champion, and what it took to reach that level:
“I hear a lot about ‘reaching the fifth match,’ but I truly believe you will go much further,” said Chávez, standing next to Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who is about to play in his sixth World Cup.
“You will face very tough challenges, and believe me, I have faced them too… Listen to your coach, he is right beside you in your corner and will help you move forward to succeed. It doesn’t matter if your opponent is faster, stronger, or more agile than you. Don’t drop your arms and dream big.”
Featured Image Credit:
Vidal Cantú / Mexican National Football Team
