What's happened
The Guardian and The Scotsman compile previews as Canada, Mexico and Czechia enter the World Cup with high expectations and tactical plans. Mexico’s Aguirre emphasizes pragmatic, flexible setups; Canada seeks first-ever group-stage win; Czechia aims to surprise as an underdog.
What's behind the headline?
Insightful take
- The event is shaping how co-hosts leverage home support, with Mexico drawing on a large fanbase at Estadio Azteca and Canada counting on morale from national pride.
- Mexico’s coach Aguirre is deploying a pragmatic 4-3-3 that can morph into multiple variants, underpinned by Raúl Jiménez’s leadership after a recent injury history.
- Canada’s debut expectations are tempered by previous results, while Czechia’s role as an underdog keeps them punching above their weight.
- The tournament logistics — co-hosting in North America — create political and social noise that will influence fan behavior and media coverage.
Forecast
- Mexico will rely on structure and intensity to compete with top teams.
- Canada will push for a first World Cup win but face tough group stage tests.
- Czechia will likely aim for a late surge rather than early dominance.
How we got here
Co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the Czech Republic are entering the 2026 World Cup, each facing distinct pressures and tactical identities. Canada has never won at a World Cup; Mexico is balancing home comfort with the demands of co-hosting; Czechia is tipped as an underdog with a potential upset mindset.
Our analysis
The Guardian: preview of Mexico’s approach and Aguirre’s comments; The Guardian: 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network coverage on Czechia; The Scotsman: list of key group-stage matches and the opening fixtures; The Guardian: Canada’s expectations as co-hosts.
Go deeper
- Which group games are must-watch for you?
- How important is the home crowd for Mexico’s results?
- Can Canada turn past World Cup struggles into a breakthrough this year?