The Mexico national team finished their 2026 World Cup campaign with 9 points from 3 wins in the group stage, but their round-of-16 exit against England (2-3) left a bitter taste. Álvaro Fidalgo, midfielder for Real Betis, shared his thoughts on his first World Cup with the team, noting that they 'deserved more' in their final match.
How did Fidalgo experience his first World Cup?
The 'Maguito' described the experience as 'incredible,' exceeding all his expectations. With 6 goals scored and 0 conceded in the group stage, Mexico showed strength, but Fidalgo admitted the elimination was painful: 'We could have done even better.' The team entered the tournament with a 5-point lead over South Africa in the standings.
What did he say about the match against England?
Fidalgo acknowledged the bitterness of the game: 'I think we deserved more.' Mexico arrived with a streak of 4 wins in their last 5 matches (LWWWW), but the round-of-16 loss ended their hopes. Still, the midfielder valued the preparation: 'From the friendlies, we already saw we could compete.'
What's next for Fidalgo and Mexico?
The naturalized Mexican player left the door open for future call-ups: 'I hope it's not the last.' With 12 points in the table and a goal difference of +6, Mexico aims to solidify its project for future tournaments. Fidalgo, key to the system, will remain a pillar in the Mexico national team as long as he maintains his level in LaLiga.
