Santiago Giménez, the AC Milan striker, has become a beacon of hope for Mexican soccer fans as the nation prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a recent interview, Giménez expressed his unwavering belief that El Tri can not only compete but also make history and potentially lift the coveted trophy on home soil.
Mexico, alongside the United States and Canada, will host the 2026 World Cup, granting them automatic qualification. This marks a historic milestone, making Mexico the first nation to host three different World Cups, having previously hosted in 1970 and 1986. The prospect of playing on home soil has amplified the excitement and expectations surrounding the national team.
Giménez's confidence stems from his vision for the team and the unwavering support of the Mexican people. "We will make history," Giménez stated in an interview with ESPN on January 21, 2026. "I am a big dreamer and I want to be a world champion with Mexico. I see us as champions; believing costs nothing and dreaming doesn't either," he added. He believes that the collective strength of 130 million Mexicans will be a driving force, capable of shattering the historical barriers that have hindered the national team's progress in previous World Cups.
Despite his optimism, Giménez remains grounded and acknowledges the challenges ahead. He is currently recovering from ankle surgery, which has kept him off the field for an extended period. The last time Giménez played was on October 28, and his inactivity has caused him to miss 14 matches with AC Milan. While appreciating the trust placed in him by his club, he admits that he still has much to prove at Milan.
On the international front, Giménez is focused on solidifying his partnership with Raúl Jiménez, another key player in the Mexican squad. He believes that their combined presence on the field poses a significant threat to any defense. Giménez made his debut for the Mexico national team in 2021 and has since represented his country in major tournaments, including the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which he won twice, in 2023 and 2025. He scored the winning goal in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Panama. He also won the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, all eyes are on Giménez and the Mexican national team. The nation hopes that under the guidance of coach Javier Aguirre, and with Giménez leading the attack, Mexico can finally realize its potential and achieve glory on the world stage.
However, concerns linger regarding Giménez's fitness. His prolonged absence from the field due to injury is being closely monitored, with concerns growing about his readiness for the World Cup.
Despite these concerns, Santiago Giménez's unwavering belief in his team's potential, coupled with the fervent support of the Mexican fans, has ignited a spark of hope that El Tri can indeed make history at the 2026 World Cup.
