What Time Is 🇲🇽 Mexico Playing?

This is Mexico's tournament in every sense. As one of three host nations, El Tri will play their group stage games in front of home crowds at some of the loudest stadiums in world football. After a humiliating group stage exit at Qatar 2022 — their first time failing to advance since 1978 — coach Javier Aguirre has rebuilt the squad around a new generation, including 17-year-old Tijuana midfielder Gilberto Mora, the youngest player at this entire World Cup. Mora has already broken age records in Liga MX and made his international debut at 16. Playing at home, with that kind of talent in the squad, Mexican fans have every reason to believe this time is different.

Mexico's fixtures are split between two of the most famous grounds in football. Their opener against South Africa and the final group game against Czechia are both at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — the most historic venue at this entire tournament, having hosted World Cup finals in both 1970 and 1986. The 1970 final, where Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in what many still call the greatest World Cup final ever played, was held on that same pitch. The middle group game against South Korea moves to Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.

Mexico face South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia — and honestly, this looks like one of the more comfortable groups for a host nation. I think Mexico top this group. South Africa are making a long-awaited return to the World Cup but are the clear weakest side here. South Korea are always capable of a surprise but tend to be inconsistent at tournaments. Czechia are organized and hard to break down, but not the kind of team that should trouble a fired-up Mexico at the Azteca.

My prediction: Mexico and South Korea both advance, with Mexico finishing top.