Antonio Mohamed definitively rules out directing the Mexican National Team

The Argentine strategist definitively closes the door to an option that, according to his perception, was never a real possibility for the FMF.

An analysis of Mohamed al Tri’s categorical rejection

In the context of the recent two-time championship achieved with the Red Devils of Toluca, the Argentine strategist Antonio Mohamed has made statements that absolutely and thoughtfully close down any speculation about his future at the head of the Mexican National Team. His position does not arise from the heat of a moment, but from a meticulous evaluation of past circumstances and the current panorama of the national team.

In an interview with the “TUDN” channel, Mohamed used a definitive analogy: “That train has already passed for me and I’ll leave it at that.” This statement goes beyond a simple denial; constitutes a strategic positioning about your career. The coach, known as the “Turk”, bases his decision on the perception that, despite having been part of conversations, he was never seriously considered as a real option by the directors of the Mexican Football Federation. “I felt that I was in the talks because I was one more that had to be there, but I was never considered,” he said, outlining a clear distinction between protocol participation and genuine consideration.

RelatedMohamed assures that Alexis Vega will have a great World Cup

The testimony of a manager and the context of the failed negotiations

Mohamed’s perspective finds a partial echo in the revelations of Jaime Ordiales, former director of the Men’s National Teams. In dialogue with “ESPN”, Ordiales acknowledged that, indeed, at the beginning of 2023 there was an institutional interest in the coach’s profile. However, his testimony corroborates the coach’s version by admitting that a specific agreement never materialized. This point is crucial: it shows a disconnection between an initial interest and a formal proposal, which would validate Mohamed’s feeling of not having been a priority candidate.

Ordiales, however, projects a vision for the future, highlighting the trajectory that Mohamed is forging in Aztec football. He suggested that his success in Toluca could reopen the door in future administrations, although this contradicts the current position of the interested party himself. Mohamed has been explicit in eliminating ambiguities: “No, I already said never. Then that’s it,” he declared for the microphones of “ESPN”, even accepting the future possibility of personal repentance, but maintaining the firmness of his decision in the present.

This episode transcends the individual case and allows a structural analysis. It illustrates the complex selection processes for technicians on the international scene, where perceptions, timing and non-verbal communication between the parties are as decisive as formal offers. Mohamed’s public and definitive resignation can be interpreted as a move to control his professional narrative, redirecting the focus towards his achievements at the club and away from a cycle of rumors that he considers unfounded and, ultimately, harmful to his current project.

The conclusion drawn from this exchange of statements is clear: the project of the Mexican National Team, with its current technical director and long-term vision, continues its course without Antonio Mohamed. For his part, the Argentine coach consolidates his legacy in Liga MX, having decided, with full awareness of cause and effect, that his path and that of El Tri will not converge.

Do you agree with this final decision or do you think that El Tri is missing out on a coach in his best moment? Share this exhaustive analysis on your social networks and explore more content related to the ins and outs of Mexican soccer and its protagonists in our specialized section.

Colombia wins on the hour and is the leader of Group K

Colombia beats Congo 1-0 and takes provisional lead in Group K.

Victory that leaves Colombia on top

With a goal from defender Daniel Muñoz in the 76th minute, the Colombian National Team defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 at the Guadalajara Stadium. The victory places the South American team as provisional leader of Group K of the 2026 World Cup.

The African team planted an orderly defensive block. Their goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was a figure when stopping several shots and canceling plays due to offside. Colombia generated dangerous arrivals, but it was difficult for them to break the lock.

The definition came when Muñoz took advantage of a mistake in marking inside the area to send the ball into the back of the net. The fans present celebrated the goal that unleashed euphoria in the stands.

With these three points, Colombia has six points and is at the top of the group. However, the final leadership will be defined on the last day. The next rival will be Portugal, a team led by Cristiano Ronaldo, which is also fighting for qualification and first place in the area.

The match against the Portuguese will be crucial to define the pass to the next phase. Colombia will seek to secure its ticket with a good result.

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Aguirre closes the door to a possible tribute for Ochoa

Aguirre rules out giving minutes to Ochoa despite his World Cup history.

Despite the fact that Guillermo Ochoa has won six World Cups with Mexico, Javier Aguirre made it clear that he will not field the goalkeeper for mere recognition. After the victory against South Korea, versions emerged about a possible “tribute” against the Czech Republic. The technician firmly deactivated them.

“I always said, since I came back, that I wasn’t going to give anything away, that those who are here are due to their own merit. Due to injury we lost Marcel Ruiz, Luis Ángel Malagón and Rodrigo Huescas. Those who are in the best moment come to the National Team,” declared the ‘Basque’ in a conference.

Aguirre recognized the historical weight of Ochoa – present in every World Cup since Germany 2006, although he only played in Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 – and mentioned that the goalkeeper announced his retirement after this tournament. But that doesn’t guarantee you minutes.

“I don’t know how many Mexican players have been in six World Cups. Memo is with us distilling wisdom and experience, but even he gets tired of being talked to if he is going to play. I see him well, like Carlos Acevedo and ‘Tala’ Rangel,” he added.

In the last training session, Ochoa felt discomfort in his hip due to the poor state of the field at the CAR, but a serious injury was ruled out. His participation against the Czechs remains unknown, but Aguirre was blunt: there will be no gifts.

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Lincoln Financial Field: Philadelphia’s stadium for the 2026 World Cup

Lincoln Financial Field will host the 2026 World Cup with capacity for 68,532 spectators.

Lincoln Financial Field, located in Philadelphia, United States, is emerging as one of the relevant venues for the 2026 World Cup. With a capacity of 68,532 spectators and a natural grass surface, it meets FIFA’s operational requirements.

Key data

The venue opened its doors on August 3, 2003. Its construction cost 512 million dollars. It is owned by the Philadelphia City Council, which facilitates logistical coordination during mass events.

Its exact location, with coordinates 39°54’03″N 75°10’04″W, integrates it into the urban fabric of the city. This is key for access, mobility and services during the competition.

With more than two decades of operation, the stadium is positioned as a first-class urban asset. Its 21st century design and capacity place it among the venues capable of hosting high-demand matches at the world tournament.

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