Mexico's World Cup squad ends preparations on a high note

The Mexican national football team has wrapped up its preparations for the 2026 World Cup, entering the tournament with a sense of optimism and a relaxed atmosphere. The squad completed a light training session focusing on ball control drills and a traditional 'torito' game, signaling a calm before their opening match.

Mexico is set to kick off the World Cup on Thursday against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The team, currently ranked 14th by FIFA, enters the match as the favorite against world number 60, South Africa. This confidence is bolstered by the recent recovery of several key players, a stark contrast to the pessimism that surrounded the team earlier in the year.

Goalkeepers Raúl Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, and Carlos Acevedo participated in light drills, with Rangel expected to start. Ochoa, preparing for his sixth World Cup, continues his role as a veteran leader. The team's relaxed mood was evident in a playful hybrid handball-basketball exercise, which generated laughter and camaraderie among the players, including the youngest squad member, Gilberto Mora.

This positive environment reflects a shift in sentiment surrounding the team. With a full complement of star players now healthy and ready, Mexico aims to start its World Cup campaign on a strong note, aiming to exceed expectations and make a deep run in the tournament.