Mexican Forward Highlights Family Bond and Ambition Before Round of 16 Showdown

Mexico is set to meet England on Monday in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the squad says it is ready for the challenge. Striker Raul Jimenez believes that the core drivers of Mexico's success are a family‑like cohesion and an unbreakable will to fight.

Speaking to FIFA officials, Jimenez said, "We are completely centered on our goal and bound together. That unity and the feeling of being a family inspire us to chase greater things. We still have a match to play in Mexico and we know exactly what is at stake."

He vowed, "We will lay out all our power. The team is truly solid. Since Javier Aguirre took over the charge, we have been moving forward together. For us, the sky is the limit."

A notable subplot adds excitement: Jimenez has faced England’s Premier League goalkeeper Jordan Pickford six times, scoring on each occasion – the most goals he has ever recorded against a single opponent.

Now 35, the tournament is especially meaningful for the striker. His first World Cup goal came against South Africa and was the first he ever scored in a World Cup, a strike he dedicated to his father, who passed away in March. "If my father were here, he would be the happiest man in the stadium," Jimenez expressed.

England and Mexico have contested nine official matches to date: England six wins, Mexico two, and one draw.