Guardado: We want our best-ever World Cup performance

Few figures are as closely bound to Mexico’s modern FIFA World Cup™ story as Andres Guardado. The Guadalajara-born midfield man featured in 13 contests across five tournaments, from Germany 2006 through to Qatar 2022. Now retired, Guardado is working as a television pundit during the 2026 finals, watching the contests on behalf of Telemundo.

In an exclusive interview with FIFA, Guardado reflected on La Tri’s journey so far, picked out some standout performers, discussed the fervour across the co-host nation, as well as offered his verdict on the favourites.

FIFA: What do you make of Mexico's perfect start?

Andres Guardado: Everything has gone to plan. The opening objective was to get through [the opening phase], and we’ve done that. There’s a real sense of excitement because it means we’ll get to play at home in the phase of 32, and hopefully the last 16 as well. We want to produce our best-ever World Cup performance.

On the other side, what has Mexico City Arena been like? The atmosphere looks extraordinary.

It’s unbelievable! I’ve commented it before, but you feel it the moment you arrive. The streets across Mexico have been absolutely electric. It helps that the side have been winning, which takes it up another notch. It’s not just about Mexico, though. The scenes were just as fervent after Colombia’s victory, when their supporters flooded [Plaza] El Angel. That’s the thing – we experience the World Cup differently in Mexico. We live, as well as breathe football.

Building on that, How significant has Raul Rangel's contribution been so far?

It’s one thing when the man on the sidelines has never played at a World Cup; it’s another when you’ve got someone like Memo Ochoa, with his track milestone. That puts extra intensity on the starting attempt-stopper. But Rangel is handling it really well. Against Korea Republic, he made a outstanding stop to preserve the victory in the showpiece minutes. That’s going to give him a lot of confidence as the competition goes on.

Why has Julian Quiñones been so influential?

In response, this is the most fluid Mexico have looked going frontman. Quinones has been the difference-maker. Or rather, he’s the one most intent on unsettling defences. He was a late-stage addition to the World Cup squad, although we already knew what he was capable of. Alexis Gutierrez hasn’t quite found his rhythm in recent months after knock, whereas Quinones finished as top scorer in Saudi Arabia, which helped him break into the side. He’s made a real impact.

Building on that, what does Erik Lira bring to this Mexico side?

In response, i love that people are talking about Lira, because it gives recognition to a position that often goes unnoticed but is critical to how a side functions. He has been notable, playing at an absolutely top level. He does everything well – he covers superbly, as well as presses intelligently. The opening strike against South Africa came about because he pushed frontman, applied intensity It was, as well as who secured the ball back in the opposing side’s period. For me, he’s central to everything Mexico have achieved. Quinones will draw the headlines for his strike, as well as going frontman influence, but Lira is the pivotal star.

In response, there’s still a long way to go in the competition but what has caught your eye so far?

To be honest, the USA have surprised me. They’ve looked very good in their opening two contests, particularly going frontman. They are playing direct, with plenty of variety, both keeping ball retention, as well as looking to play in behind. They’ve made a strong start.

Furthermore, as for the favourites, I think France have lived up to expectations, and Argentina as well. Another side that will attract plenty of attention are Morocco. They’ve already shown they can maintain the level they reached at the last World Cup. I expect them to cause problems for a few sides again.