Fernández predicts Mexico will reach 2026 World Cup quarterfinals

Veteran journalist José Ramón Fernández has shared his outlook for the Mexican national team's performance in the 2026 World Cup, projecting they will reach the quarterfinals.

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I think they will beat South Africa.

Fernández, speaking at the launch of a book he co-authored with the 'Instituto José Ramón Fernández,' stated that Mexico will compete to advance from the group stage and aim for a spot in the Round of 16. He emphasized that the team's path will largely depend on their group stage performance. He expects a win against South Africa and a difficult, possibly drawn, match against South Korea.

"If they finish first, Mexico will have an easier draw," Fernández noted, but warned that a second-place finish could lead to a match against a powerhouse like England. He described a potential game against England as "difficult," highlighting the European squad's quality and Harry Kane's prowess as a "spectacular goalscorer."

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it is very complicated

Despite these challenges, Fernández maintains a moderately optimistic expectation, expressing his hope that Mexico will make it to the top eight. "Hopefully, they reach the quarterfinals, and that's where it will end," he stated. He identified France, Spain, and Portugal as the teams truly capable of contending for the championship, placing them a step above other participants.

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If they finish first, Mexico will have an easier draw.

The book, titled "El balón rueda tres veces en México" (The Ball Rolls Three Times in Mexico), by the Instituto José Ramón Fernández, recounts past World Cup matches, features interviews with former players, and chronicles games from Mexico's World Cup tournaments in 1970 and 1986, in addition to the upcoming North American World Cup.

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It will be difficult.