Raúl Jiménez was one in all Mexico’s heroes in Tuesday’s pleasant towards South Korea, scoring in a 2-2 draw as El Tri proceed preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which they’ll co-host with the US and Canada. Following the sport, the Fulham striker shared an vital message concerning the crew’s expectations transferring ahead.
Recent off their 2025 Gold Cup triumph in July, Mexico returned to motion this month with back-to-back friendlies — first a scoreless draw with Japan, adopted by a dramatic 2-2 towards South Korea. Jiménez opened the scoring, however South Korea struck again with objectives within the sixty fifth and seventy fifth minutes earlier than Santiago Giménez salvaged a draw with a stoppage-time equalizer within the 92nd.
Talking within the combined zone afterward, captain Jiménez praised El Tri’s efficiency whereas stressing the necessity for progress. “Sure, I believe we took lots of good issues from each video games, issues we clearly must hold enhancing. However that’s soccer — there are not any straightforward matches. We’ll hold making ready for what’s actually vital, which is available in a yr.”
The striker additionally underlined the worth of going through sturdy worldwide competitors as Mexico gears up for 2026. “Sure, it’s all the time vital to face this type of opponent who’re already certified for the World Cup, the sort of rivals you would possibly run into there. And, like I stated, it’s about persevering with to enhance sure facets and doing issues the appropriate method,” he added.
Raul Jimenez #9 of Mexico and Minjae Kim #4 of South Korea battle for the ball through the first half of the match at GEODIS Park on September 09, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.
After wrapping up their US tour with two attracts, head coach Javier Aguirre famous that the squad has a strong basis however stays a piece in progress. A complete of 35 gamers have been examined up to now, and Aguirre recommended extra modifications could possibly be on the best way. Up subsequent, Mexico will face Colombia in Arlington on October 11 earlier than returning residence to Guadalajara to play Ecuador on October 14.
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Raúl Jiménez closing in on scoring document
Jiménez’s objective towards South Korea wasn’t simply one other tally in a pleasant — it introduced him one step nearer to historical past. The Fulham striker now sits on 44 worldwide objectives, simply two behind Jared Borgetti (46) for second place on Mexico’s all-time scoring listing. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández stays the nation’s all-time chief with 52 objectives in 109 appearances.
With eight objectives separating him from Chicharito, Jiménez may have loads of possibilities to climb the ranks. Mexico are assured a minimum of eight extra friendlies earlier than the 2026 World Cup, plus three group-stage matches on the event itself. At 34, Jiménez nonetheless has time to go away his mark as one in all El Tri’s best scorers.
