Paunovic: Mexico has the talent to be among the best in the world

The former Chivas coach is confident that Mexico will reach the world top 8 in 2026.

Publicado 4 junio, 2026 el 4 de junio a las 20:26 | 2 mins reading |868 vistas | por Miguel Torres

Paunovic trusts in the Tricolor’s potential

Veljko Paunovic led Chivas until the last final they played, in Clausura 2023. He knows the pressure of working only with Mexican footballers. And from that experience, he assures that the Mexican National Team will make history in the 2026 World Cup.

“I am convinced, I have said it since I was here, there are all the incentives for it to happen. There is a tremendous culture, passion and precision necessary for the team to bear fruit with work,” said the Serbian strategist.

The public factor and raw materials

For Paunovic, the support of the fans will be key. “There is a forged identity, there is a lot of raw material. Furthermore, playing at home is a great advantage, as long as public opinion supports the team. That is what sometimes fails,” he commented.

The former rojiblanco coach believes that Mexico has “more than enough” to be among the first eight places in the world. “I have a lot of confidence in the National Team. They have a great coach and they can meet an important challenge: a historic World Cup,” he added.

Regarding the friendly against Mexico at the Nemesio Díez Stadium, Paunovic described it as a “highest demand” test for his players. He stated that the match will serve to measure the level of the Serbian team ahead of the World Cup.

With his experience in Mexican football, the Serbian reaffirms his faith in the potential of the Tricolor. The conditions are in place, we just need the fans to support us and the players to respond on the field.

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Without goals but with a guaranteed ticket: Colombia and Portugal tie

A scoreless draw in Miami qualifies both teams to the next round.

Publicado 6 hours ago el 27 de junio a las 23:08 | 1 min reading

No goals, but with guaranteed classification

Colombia and Portugal starred in an intense duel at the Miami stadium, with a full house and a majority of coffee fans. The score did not move: 0-0.

In the first half, Colombia had more possession and generated more arrivals, but failed to score. Portugal stood firm in defense. Cristiano Ronaldo did not have clear options.

The intensity did not decline in the second half. While the Colombians looked for the goal, the Lusitanians responded with danger. However, the tie prevailed.

With this result, Colombia finished leader of Group K with 7 points. Portugal was second with 5 units. Both teams advance to the next round of the tournament.

The match reflected the competitiveness of two teams that chose to secure their place without risking too much.

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Modric breaks record and Croatia advances in the World Cup

Croatia beats Ghana 2-1; Modric, the oldest to provide assistance.

Publicado 6 hours ago el 27 de junio a las 22:44 | 2 mins reading

Croatia sealed its place in the round of 16 of the World Cup by beating Ghana 2-1. The match, played on Saturday at the Philadelphia Eagles stadium, left a historical mark: Luka Modric, at 40 years and 291 days old, became the oldest player to give an assist in the history of the tournament.

A triumph with a seal of experience

The Croatian midfielder took a corner kick that Nikola Vlašic headed home in the 83rd minute to spark the celebration. Before, Petar Sucic had opened the scoring at 31′ with a powerful shot from outside the area. Ghana temporarily tied the score thanks to Derrick Luckassen in the 73rd minute, but could not maintain the tie.

“I told him after the game: you play like you’re 20 years old,” Sucic declared. “He was incredible today. He is our leader, our best player.”

Modric played his 200th game with the Croatian team and was once again key. Their attendance broke the record that dated back to 1966. Vlašic also praised the captain:

“It seems as if he has gone back 10 years in time. One of the best performances I have seen from him with Croatia.”

Ghana, to the second round despite the defeat

Despite the result, Ghana advanced to the knockout phase for the first time since 2010. Coach Carlos Queiroz lamented the defensive error that cost him the winning goal:

“Two easy goals. When you score one more than your opponent, it means you deserve to win.”

Croatia finished second in Group L, only behind England. Ghana came third. Modric, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2018, continues to be the soul of the ‘Vatreni’ at 40 years old.

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal define group against Colombia

Portugal has already qualified for the round of 16; Cristiano seeks the leadership of the group against Colombia.

Publicado 8 hours ago el 27 de junio a las 20:34 | 1 min reading

Portugal seeks leadership

With a ticket to the round of 16 secured, Portugal faces Colombia this Saturday in Miami. The match will define the winner of Group K.

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in the city with a light jacket, despite the almost 38 degrees Celsius. He was wearing a T-shirt and shorts, and gave a thumbs-up to fans waiting for his bus.

Historical goals

The Portuguese striker has two goals in this World Cup, reaching 10 in six World Cups. He is the only player in history to score in six different editions of the tournament.

Possible crossing with Messi

If Portugal wins, it will be the leader of the group and will be on the same side of the table as Argentina. That would open the door to a confrontation between Cristiano and Lionel Messi in the quarterfinals, on July 11.

Colombia, for its part, needs to win to top the group. The match promises intensity at the close of the group stage.