Feb 17 • 21:57 UTC 🇲🇽 Mexico Milenio (ES)

Ivar Sisniega: 'Javier Aguirre knows that the minimum objective for the World Cup is to reach the Quarter-Finals'

Ivar Sisniega, the executive president of the Mexican Football Federation, stated that the minimum goal for coach Javier Aguirre and the Mexican national team in the 2026 World Cup is to reach the Quarter-Finals, after emphasizing the importance of a strong start in the group stage.

During a press conference held at the High Performance Center in Mexico City, Ivar Sisniega, the executive president of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), outlined the expectations for the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He reiterated that the minimum requirement for coach Javier Aguirre and the team is to reach the Quarter-Finals, matching achievements from the tournaments held in Mexico in 1970 and 1986. He stressed the importance of advancing beyond the group stage and winning the critical fourth match, which would lead them into the knockout rounds.

Sisniega also emphasized that the coaching staff understands this ambitious goal and is preparing the team accordingly. With fierce competition expected in the knockout stages, he acknowledged the necessity for the team to be well-prepared for high-level matches after advancing from the group phase. The pressure to replicate or exceed past World Cup performances reflects a long-standing tradition and ambition within Mexican football.

Additionally, Sisniega discussed the upcoming preparatory matches that the Mexican national team plans to engage in before the World Cup. Evaluating potential opponents is crucial as these games will serve to refine the team's strategy and build cohesion. The emphasis on establishing a strong foundation through these preparatory games underlines the FMF’s commitment to achieving a competitive performance in the upcoming tournament.

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