Canada v Mexico - CONCACAF Nations League: Semifinal

Mexico will face Switzerland Saturday in Utah, followed by a match against Turkey on June 10 in North Carolina

Panama v Mexico: Final - CONCACAF Nations League

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mexico’s national team faced turbulent years since their group-stage elimination at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a moment that signaled the beginning of a difficult cycle leading up to the 2026 tournament - one that Mexico will host, along with the U.S. and Canada.

Following Qatar, El Tri failed to reach the final of the 2022-23 Nations League under the brief leadership of Diego Cocca, who lasted just seven matches. Although they managed to win the Gold Cup under Jaime Lozano, they once again fell to the USMNT in the 2023-24 Nations League, this time in the final.

These back-to-back disappointments cast doubt over the team’s direction. After Lozano’s exit, Javier Aguirre returned for his third stint as head coach - a decision by the Mexican Football Federation that also sparked skepticism.

However, El Vasco responded by delivering Mexico’s first Nations League title, a triumph that, according to winger Roberto Alvarado, has given the team a much-needed boost in confidence heading into the Gold Cup - and the long road toward the 2026 World Cup.

“Winning the Nations League helped us grow as a team,” said Alvarado. “We had never won it before, so I think it was something very important to help us keep growing as a national team. It really motivates us for what’s ahead - the friendlies, the Gold Cup - to keep fighting in every competition, staying at the top and winning. I think we’re becoming a team that wants to compete and improve.”

Canada v Mexico - CONCACAF Nations League: Semifinal

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Chivas forward now hopes to earn a place in Aguirre’s starting XI, a spot that won’t come easily. Mexico’s attacking line is highly competitive, featuring players such as César Huerta, Raúl Jiménez, Santiago Giménez, and Julián Quiñones - who currently plays in Saudi Arabia.

“Obviously, I’m always trying to do things the right way,” Alvarado said. “Being here is a huge opportunity; a lot of players would love to be part of this. So I always try to make the most of the moment, show the football I bring from my club, and offer it to the team.”

Panama v Mexico: Final - CONCACAF Nations League

WHAT MEXICO PLAYERS SAID

Alvarado was also on Pachuca’s radar as a potential reinforcement for the Club World Cup. But the winger ultimately chose to stay with the national team and focus on the Gold Cup instead of playing in the first edition of the revamped global tournament.

“Yes, the opportunity was there. Chivas talked to me, but my priority is the national team. I will always put Mexico first,” Alvarado said. “With a World Cup coming up, I want to keep fighting for my spot. I’m grateful to Pachuca for considering me, but I believe the national team is far more important.”

Chivas’ new signing Efraín Álvarez also expressed his desire to win the Gold Cup with El Tri:

“The goal is to go out and win this tournament," he said. "It’s always tough to make the squad. There are a lot of Mexican players working hard to be seen by Javier, and competition for a spot on the national team is intense.”

Marcel Ruiz, recently crowned Liga MX champion with Toluca, has only played four minutes with the senior Mexican national team, appearing against Suriname in the 2023 Nations League. Now enjoying one of the best moments of his career, the midfielder is hopeful about making the final Gold Cup roster.

“I think it all comes down to current form,” Ruiz said. “I don’t see myself at a disadvantage - we’re all on equal footing here, and the one who performs best will be the one who ends up going to the Gold Cup and eventually, the World Cup.”

Panama v Mexico: Final - CONCACAF Nations League

WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

Mexico will face Switzerland Saturday in Utah, followed by a match against Turkey on June 10 in North Carolina. El Tri will then kick off their Gold Cup campaign on June 14 against the Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium.