Mexico’s national team took a crucial step in its preparation for the 2026 World Cup by bringing in Juanma Lillo as a technical advisor and Luis Fernando Guardado in a strategic role. The move, confirmed this July, strengthens the Tri’s coaching staff ahead of the tournament hosted on home soil.
What happened with the Lillo-Guardado alliance?
The agreement between Lillo -the Spanish tactician- and Guardado -former player turned executive- aims to build a long-term project for the national team. The Tri already leads its group with 9 points after three straight wins in the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico enters the tournament with a flawless record: 6 goals scored and none conceded, a +6 goal difference that keeps them 5 points clear of South Africa. Still, the last result raised eyebrows: on July 6, Mexico lost 2-3 to England, ending a four-game winning streak. Recent form stands at 4W-0D-1L (LWWWW), with the slip against the Three Lions as the only setback.
Why does this union matter for El Tri?
Guardado, who knows the locker room from his playing days, will bring Liga MX expertise to connect with local reinforcements. Meanwhile, Lillo arrives with an associative style that could modernize the Tri’s usual direct approach. The coaching staff is already fine-tuning tactics ahead of the next match, where Mexico will look to regain momentum.
The team, which leads the group with authority, now faces the challenge of staying sharp. The 5-point cushion over South Africa is wide, but the loss to England showed the Tri isn’t immune to mistakes. The big question: Can this alliance prevent further stumbles on the road to the title?
What’s next for El Tri at the 2026 World Cup?
After the England defeat, Mexico has at least two more group-stage games. The team has 9 points from 3 matches, but the coaching staff is already dissecting errors from the last outing. Fans expect a steadier version, especially in defense, where the side has excelled so far.
Guardado and Lillo must blend experience with young talent. The next opponent hasn’t been set, but the pressure to stay top of the group is intense. The Tri knows every detail counts in a World Cup played at home.
