Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre has disclosed that he’s enforcing strict discipline and tactical intensity as El Tri prepares for their second Group A match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against South Korea.
Coming off an opening 2-0 victory over South Africa, Aguirre has demanded zero tolerance for pre-match nerves while strategizing how to shut down Korean playmaker Lee Kang-in.
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Known for his no-nonsense management style, Aguirre has brushed off the controversy surrounding Mexico’s opening game, focusing solely on taking the tournament one step at a time.
“I granted them the benefit of the doubt for the nervousness of a debut,” Aguirre said. “But I told them I can no longer allow a player, because of the stage, to be unable to make a three- or four-metre pass or a movement they have trained for.”
“The speed of the Koreans going forward – we have trained on how to nullify it,” Aguirre said. “We have to be attentive to the ‘vigilance’ when we are attacking. If there are two Koreans, there must be at least three Mexicans.”
The coach noted that the modern game was increasingly shaped by such new rule modifications and technological aids.
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“It is another type of football than the one I played,” Aguirre said. “Between the VAR and the technological evolution where they send you images at halftime, I think it all adds up to better football.”
A compelling subplot of the match is the reunion between Aguirre and South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in. The pair previously worked together at Spanish club RCD Mallorca during the 2022-2023 La Liga season.
Aguirre affectionately calls Lee “my son” but has made it clear that he will not grant any favors on the pitch, telling the press that his priority is to strictly deny Lee the ball.
