Al Khor, Qatar – Amidst the drama and chaos 2022 world cup As the final places are decided in the Round of 16, Mexico Already have moved on after his exit and are looking forward to 2026.
Given Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s announcement less than 24 hours after being eliminated in the group stage (for the first time since 1978) and following Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia that he is out as managerMexican Football Federation (FMF) president Yoan de Luisa and sports director of the men’s national teams, Jaime Ordiales, talk about what lies ahead el tri,
, World Cup news, features, previews, and more
, Stream FC Daily and Soccer America on ESPN+
Over the past few weeks, local soccer club Al Khor SC and their stadium have served as home to Mexico’s outdoor – and isolated – training and World Cup preparations. While other national teams set up camp near the bustling center of Qatar’s capital Doha, Mexico instead aimed for an hour’s drive north of downtown – about an hour 45 minutes using public transport. That distance from the heart of the World Cup seemed to grow overnight.
despite losing Saudi Arab 2-1 at the end of the group stage on Wednesday, short of goals in the previous 2-0 loss Argentina and draw with 0-0 poland This meant that Mexico finished third in the table, ending a seven-tournament run (going back to 1994), in which al tri Had made a place in every 16 rounds.
“We are ashamed and we owe an apology,” Ordeals told the media in a modest gymnasium space that easily resembled a typical American high school. “It is necessary to confront this failure and it obliges us to show the professional shame that we have.”
During a frustrating news conference that lasted more than 15 minutes, the ordeal also confirmed that Martino was out on Wednesday after being told by the manager that his contract had expired.
“With this kind of failure it is impossible for him to continue,” Ordiales said. “I know he’s a hard worker, I’ve seen him every day, but we work for the national team and to do right now it’s best to look elsewhere.”
Martino out and no 2022 World Cup for Mexico… so what’s next?
At least in the near future, those in charge of the FMF will remain there. When asked whether Ordiles or De Luisa were considering resignation, De Luisa quickly shrugged off the idea.
“Resignation is not necessary and now this cycle has come to an end. [league] The owners will decide whether to continue or not,” the FMF president said.
While Ordeals has received the benefit of the doubt for having only taken the job in the summer, De Luisa deserves criticism for having been involved in the entire World Cup cycle until Qatar 2022. Once an executive with Televisa who also worked with Liga MX Giants Club América, De Luisa stepped into his role four years ago in 2018. Whether or not club owners decide to continue him, the president gave vague guidelines about changes to Liga MX that could potentially help the Mexican. soccer.
“We will make structural changes,” De Luisa said. “multiple ownership [of clubs]Promotion and relegation, number of overseas players [in Liga MX],
Similar promises have been made in the past by those running Mexican football, although with mixed results for implementation, enforcement and follow-through. In its defense, Liga MX president Mike Arriola said in a statement on Thursday that the league would also support any decision made by the federation, but whether it would really be enough to resurrect a national team that backfires Are you seeing?
Who are the main candidates to take over as manager?
The second issue revolves around coaching. Whatever changes are made to the FMF and the domestic league, it will be equally important to find the right person to pick those players and take them to the 2026 World Cup.
At the moment, Pachuca’s Guillermo Almada is the strongest candidate for manager. The 56-year-old Uruguayan led Pachuca to the 2022 Liga MX Apertura title earlier in the fall, while providing plenty of opportunities for up-and-coming players from the club’s famed academy setup.
With a national team in process that is desperate for a generational change before 2026 – Mexico had the second oldest squad at this World Cup, with an average player age of 28.5 years – someone like Almada who has not only helped support young Mexicans players, but with him having achieved a championship through his attack-minded style of play, could benefit from someone like him.
That said, Almada can be a little hot-headed on the sidelines at times and if FMF is looking for someone to bring more calm to proceedings, Necaxa coach Ignacio “Nacho” Umbridge is another notable option. .
With mid-table side Toluca, Umbridge turned a fine roster into something much greater than the sum of its parts with a well-coordinated and highly motivated approach, which saw them reach the final against Pachuca. Having once been an assistant coach in LaLiga and a manager in Spain’s second division, the 57-year-old brings experience from abroad that can advance the Mexican players.
Former national team coach Miguel “Pejo” Herrera, who is coincidentally unemployed after a heavy stint with Tigres, will also be in talks; If not, he will force himself to do so, as he has done in the past. There have also been calls to consider former Mexico star defender Rafael Marquez, although he appears to be settling into his latest job as manager of Barcelona B.
2:03
Hérculez Gómez, Sebastián Salazar and Ale Moreno explain what led to Tata Martino and Mexico’s World Cup exit.
Of course, the final building blocks of this project that will need to be reassembled and analyzed by FMF are the players themselves. While it could be argued that early to mid 20’s key players like Kevin Alvarez, Edson Alvarez, louis chavez, caesar montes And alexis vega Could peak by 2026, there’s no doubt Mexico needs an injection of youth.
Altogether, Carlos Acevedo Must be a significant goalkeeping figure eligible for return al triis setup. Looking at the defence, Emilio Lara, Israel Reyes and Julian Araujo Ready for more national team opportunities. midfielders like Eric Sanchez and Marcelo Flores Should also be in the mix as key playmakers who, while in attack, are clearly game-changers Santiago Gimenez And diego lenez Those who will not have any problem in making a place in the playing XI.
The list goes on, given the youth options emerging from Liga MX as well as eligible dual-citizens. It’s an easy exercise to participate in, as well as highlighting potential changes within Mexico’s league structure, as well as listing the coaches who could potentially take charge and be part of a much-needed rebuild.
Looking forward, it is up to the FMF and leadership to pick up the mess Martino has left behind, consider options and names, then put it together into a winning combination. If not, expect more press conferences focusing on 2030, possibly on the outskirts of another city, while 2026 and 2022 also don’t go as planned.
