World Cup 2026: Mexico coach Javier Aguirre calls for end to 94-year jinx

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has challenged his players to end the country's 94-year wait for a victory in a World Cup opening match when they face South Africa in the curtain-raiser of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.

El Tri are appearing on the opening day of the World Cup for the eighth time, but they are still searching for their first victory after recording five defeats and two draws in their previous seven tournament openers.

Mexico's opening-day struggles date back to the inaugural World Cup in 1930, when they suffered a 4-1 defeat to France in Montevideo.

Their most recent opening match came at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where Siphiwe Tshabalala's memorable strike gave the hosts the lead before Rafael Márquez equalised in a 1-1 draw.

The two nations now meet again, this time at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, with Aguirre determined to finally end the unwanted record.

"We must break that trend," Aguirre told reporters.

"I did not know about that, but I'll mention it to the guys. It's a good reason to tell them we need to go out there and win the match. Let's hope we break that trend tomorrow."

The 67-year-old is in his third spell as Mexico coach and knows what it means to represent his country on the biggest stage, having earned 59 international caps and played at the 1986 World Cup on home soil.

Although Mexico did not feature in the tournament opener in 1986, they reached the quarter-finals before losing to West Germany on penalties.

Aguirre believes his current squad has the chance to create lasting memories in front of home supporters.

"It could be a great day for us; come what may, it will be a celebration that endures for decades," he said.

"I hope we get off on the right foot, just as we did back then. The players know it: tomorrow could be a historic day for many of them, as it is unlikely these guys will ever experience a World Cup on home soil again."

Mexico head into the tournament unbeaten in seven matches and will be looking to use home advantage to make a winning start to the first 48-team FIFA World Cup.