Andres Guardado on Mexico in FIFA World Cup: ‘We want our best-ever World Cup performance’

Image Credit: FIFA

The former Mexico international gives his thoughts on La Tri, the atmosphere in Mexico and the favourites at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Few figures are as closely bound to Mexico’s modern FIFA World Cup™ story as Andres Guardado. The Guadalajara-born midfielder featured in 13 matches across five tournaments, from Germany 2006 through to Qatar 2022. Now retired, Guardado is working as a television pundit during the 2026 finals, watching the matches on behalf of Telemundo.

In an exclusive interview with FIFA, Guardado reflected on La Tri’s journey so far, picked out some standout performers, discussed the fervour across the co-host nation and offered his verdict on the favourites.

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FIFA: What do you make of Mexico’s perfect start?

Andres Guardado: Everything has gone to plan. The first objective was to get through [the group stage], and we’ve done that. There’s a real sense of excitement because it means we’ll get to play at home in the round of 32, and hopefully the last 16 as well. We want to produce our best-ever World Cup performance.

What has Mexico City Stadium been like? The atmosphere looks extraordinary.

It’s incredible! I’ve said it before, but you feel it the moment you arrive. The streets across Mexico have been absolutely electric. It helps that the team have been winning, which takes it up another notch. It’s not just about Mexico, though. The scenes were just as fervent after Colombia’s victory, when their supporters flooded [Plaza] El Angel. That’s the thing – we experience the World Cup differently in Mexico. We live and breathe football.

How significant has Raul Rangel’s contribution been so far?

It’s one thing when the man on the bench has never played at a World Cup; it’s another when you’ve got someone like Memo Ochoa, with his track record. That puts extra pressure on the starting goalkeeper. But Rangel is handling it really well. Against Korea Republic, he made a brilliant save to preserve the win in the final minutes. That’s going to give him a lot of confidence as the tournament goes on.

Why has Julian Quiñones been so influential?

This is the most fluid Mexico have looked going forward. Quinones has been the difference-maker. Or rather, he’s the one most intent on unsettling defences. He was a late addition to the World Cup squad, although we already knew what he was capable of. Alexis Gutierrez hasn’t quite found his rhythm in recent months after injury, whereas Quinones finished as top scorer in Saudi Arabia, which helped him break into the side. He’s made a real impact.

What does Erik Lira bring to this Mexico side?

I love that people are talking about Lira, because it gives recognition to a position that often goes unnoticed but is vital to how a team functions. He has been outstanding, playing at an absolutely top level. He does everything well – he covers superbly and presses intelligently. The first goal against South Africa came about because he pushed forward, applied pressure and won the ball back in the opposing team’s half. For me, he’s central to everything Mexico have achieved. Quinones will draw the headlines for his goal and attacking influence, but Lira is the key player.

There’s still a long way to go in the tournament but what has caught your eye so far?

To be honest, the USA have surprised me. They’ve looked very good in their first two matches, particularly going forward. They are playing direct, with plenty of variety, both keeping possession and looking to play in behind. They’ve made a strong start.

As for the favourites, I think France have lived up to expectations, and Argentina as well. Another team that will attract plenty of attention are Morocco. They’ve already shown they can maintain the level they reached at the last World Cup. I expect them to cause problems for a few teams again.