Janice R. Andrews
As Mexico gears up for their rivalry match against the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) in Guadalajara, the air is thick with frustration and doubt. While the U.S. team basks in success under Mauricio Pochettino, Mexico’s national team is grappling with a deepening crisis. Tuesday’s matchup, the 78th between the two, could either intensify Mexico’s soccer turmoil or provide a fleeting reprieve.
Pochettino’s Success with USMNT
On the American side, the USMNT continues to ascend under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino. A recent 2-0 win over Panama fueled excitement, with fans chanting Pochettino’s name and waving banners reading “BELIEVE.” This win marked a significant moment for the U.S. team as it marches toward consistent international success.
Mexico’s Continuing Struggles
In stark contrast, Mexico is engulfed in discontent and uncertainty. A 2-2 draw in a friendly against Valencia’s B-team in Puebla sparked boos for the fifth time in six games. What should have been a confidence-boosting match only highlighted Mexico’s ongoing issues.
The frustration among fans is clear, and with the USMNT arriving for their 78th rivalry clash, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Mexico. A win could provide temporary relief, but a loss would undoubtedly deepen the crisis.
Coaching Carousel: Aguirre’s Return
In an effort to stabilize the team, Mexico has once again turned to a familiar face, Javier Aguirre, who was hired in July. This is Aguirre’s third stint as head coach, and he’s been tasked with pulling El Tri out of its current crisis. He replaced Jaime Lozano, becoming Mexico’s fourth coach in under two years, a testament to the instability surrounding the team.
Aguirre, upon his return, vowed to restore confidence and meet fan expectations. However, despite his efforts, the pressure is mounting after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Canada in his second game. In front of a sparsely filled AT&T Stadium in Texas, the Mexican team failed to display the attacking prowess fans have come to expect.
An Underlying Crisis: Beyond Coaching
Although the constant coaching changes dominate the narrative, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Mexico’s problems go beyond leadership. Former players and analysts alike have pointed out that the national team’s struggles stem from systemic flaws in player development and the overall structure of Mexican soccer.
TUDN pundit David Faitelson noted that neither Aguirre nor any coach can wield a “magic wand” to resolve Mexico’s soccer crisis. Former national team defender Miguel Layún shared similar sentiments, suggesting that the entire system needs a comprehensive overhaul. Layún emphasized the need for deep reflection into the infrastructure of Mexican soccer, warning that without these changes, the country risks failure at the 2026 World Cup.
Declining Player Quality
A key issue contributing to Mexico’s struggles is the decline in player quality. In the past, Mexico could field a starting lineup made up of players from top European leagues. Today, only three players from Mexico’s 27-man roster compete in Europe’s elite leagues, with the majority playing in Liga MX.
This isn’t a critique of Liga MX, which remains the premier league in North America, but it does highlight missed opportunities. Many Mexican players stay in Liga MX due to high salaries, limiting their exposure to the rigors of European soccer. As a result, the current generation of Mexican players lacks the international experience needed to compete at the highest level.
While Liga MX remains strong, the lack of Mexican players gaining experience in top European leagues has stunted their growth compared to their American counterparts, many of whom have thrived in Europe.
Aguirre’s Difficult Assignment
Aguirre’s mission is clear: bring Mexico back to its former glory. His extensive coaching background, including stints with Japan, Egypt, and two previous tenures with El Tri, gives him credibility. However, the challenge he faces now is much more complex than his previous World Cup qualification campaigns.
In 2001 and 2009, Aguirre stepped in during times of crisis to salvage Mexico’s World Cup qualification hopes. Now, with no qualifiers on the immediate horizon, his focus is more long-term, as he aims to rebuild the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, time is short, and the patience of fans is wearing thin.
Aguirre is fully aware of the intense pressure that comes with leading Mexico. Despite emphasizing long-term objectives, the Mexican soccer federation dismissed his predecessor, Lozano, following Mexico’s early exit at the 2024 Copa América. The relentless demand for short-term success continues to undermine long-term planning.
Mounting Pressure Before USMNT Match
As Tuesday’s match approaches, the pressure is building. Defender Jesús Orozco Chiquete acknowledged the situation, stating, “The fans are demanding and want results.” Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Andrés Guardado stressed that players on the national team must be ready to handle the pressure and responsibility that comes with representing Mexico.
The USMNT will be without key players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie due to injury. While this may offer Mexico a slight advantage, a loss to a weakened U.S. team would still be disastrous. A defeat would likely lead to even greater scrutiny of Mexico’s national team and its direction.
Conclusion
Mexico’s soccer crisis doesn’t have a simple solution. The team’s problems go beyond coaching and are rooted in deeper issues like player development and structural flaws in the sport. While Javier Aguirre is a capable and experienced coach, he faces a monumental task in restoring Mexico’s dominance in North American soccer.
The upcoming match against the USMNT could serve as a turning point for El Tri, but it could just as easily deepen the current despair surrounding the team. Mexican fans, known for their passion and high expectations, will be watching closely, hoping their team can begin to reverse its fortunes and reclaim its status as a soccer powerhouse on the international stage.
