Fernando Morientes revisits Mexico 1986, praises Mexican football passion

Former Spanish striker Fernando Morientes holds a special place in his memory for the 1986 World Cup hosted in Mexico. That tournament, which occurred during his childhood, sparked a profound connection to the sport and left him with indelible images of the competition. Beyond the on-field action, Morientes was deeply impressed by the way the entire nation of Mexico embraced football, turning every match into a collective celebration.

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My first feeling was in Spain 1982, but in 1986, in Mexico, I have very good memories that I will never forget. I saw how football is lived and the excitement in the cities; in few countries is the sport lived with such love.

This vibrant atmosphere of passion, color, and dedication, experienced through television broadcasts, cultivated an emotion in the young Morientes that has only grown over the years. "My first feeling was in Spain 1982, but in 1986, in Mexico, I have very good memories that I will never forget. I saw how football is lived and the excitement in the cities; in few countries is the sport lived with such love," he stated.

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The national team feels the responsibility to give something great to the people and to put Mexican football in the place it truly deserves.

Morientes believes the Mexican national team feels the weight of responsibility to achieve something significant for its people and to elevate Mexican football to its rightful place on the global stage. He expressed confidence in his own national team, Spain, to perform well and potentially replicate their 2010 World Cup triumph.

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I always say that the number one candidate is the current world champion: Argentina. I believe they should try to defend the title and let others try to dethrone them.

However, when discussing favorites for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, Morientes strategically deflects the pressure from his own team. "I always say that the number one candidate is the current world champion: Argentina. I believe they should try to defend the title and let others try to dethrone them," he remarked. He added that while Spain has the potential and the desire, success in such tournaments requires a step-by-step approach, with true contenders emerging more clearly from the quarterfinals onwards.

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In Spain we have the hope for what they have shown, because we know they can win, but in these tournaments you have to take it step by step. From the quarterfinals onwards is when the teams that can lift the title are truly identified.