Santiago Gimenez has firmly established himself as one of many key gamers anticipated to guide the Mexico nationwide crew on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with new head coach Javier Aguirre placing his belief within the rising star. Forward of the event, the AC Milan striker made a daring assertion that has sparked pleasure amongst followers.
Mexico is without doubt one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup—alongside the US and Canada—and has subsequently routinely certified. Nonetheless, Gimenez is concentrated on serving to the crew develop stronger within the lead-up to the event and believes Mexico has the potential to achieve the summit of world soccer.
When requested whether or not he believes he can someday change into a world champion, Gimenez didn’t hesitate. “Sure. Hopefully—I hope so. However God will determine. I’ll do every little thing I can, and so will the crew. I actually consider we’re going to see Mexico as world champions, 100%,” the striker advised Vamos Present on YouTube.
Out of twenty-two World Cup editions, Mexico has certified for 17, lacking simply 5. The 2026 event will mark a historic milestone, as Mexico turns into the primary nation to host three totally different World Cups, after beforehand staging the event in 1970 and 1986.
Gimenez sees this robust soccer custom as the muse for one thing larger. Whereas he didn’t particularly promise a title run in 2026, his confidence has opened the door for followers to dream—particularly with him main the road.
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Gimenez constructing chemistry with Raul Jimenez
One of many tactical tweaks underneath coach Javier Aguirre has been using a two-striker formation, pairing Santiago Gimenez with veteran Raul Jimenez moderately than selecting between them. The Milan ahead recalled the second they discovered they’d be beginning collectively.
“We thought it was virtually unattainable that might occur. Even the day earlier than, I feel Raul and I skilled with totally different squads, so we didn’t see it coming. Then within the pre-match speak, he mentioned, ‘Raul and Santiago.’ At that second, we each received excited. As strikers, we all the time assist one another—identical to defenders stick collectively.”
He additionally shared what it means to play alongside the Fulham striker. “However for me, past simply being a ahead, enjoying alongside Raul—who’s an ideal participant and a serious determine—additionally conjures up me to offer my greatest. And in these Nations League matches, for instance, Raul was flying. I felt very comfy with him—he solves every little thing,” Gimenez concluded.
Thus far, the partnership appears to be paying off. In Mexico’s opening recreation of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup in opposition to the Dominican Republic, Gimenez delivered a superbly timed by ball to arrange Raul Jimenez for a objective—an early signal of what this duo may convey to the nationwide crew shifting ahead.
