From Tala Rangel’s rise to Santiago Giménez’s slide ahead of the Round of 32

Mexico finished their group with nine points and now turn to the Round of 32 after a group stage the country called its best. Javier "Vasco" Aguirre has been praised for restoring order, reconnecting players with the national team and steering El Tri toward a run that could reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 1986.

Raúl "Tala" Rangel has raised his stock with an improved passing game — 16 accurate long balls after two matches — and a match-sealing double save against South Korea, while Mexico have conceded only two goals so far. By contrast, Santiago Giménez has seen his standing slip: Guillermo "Memote" Martínez started ahead of him against Czechia, Giménez has mainly come off the bench and he missed the one clear chance he had versus Czechia.

Roberto Alvarado’s influence has grown as he fills dual roles on the wing and in a defensive buildup, contributing recoveries and ground duels that keep him on the field.

Mexico

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