The Mexican National Team is fine-tuning the final details for its presentation at the 2026 World Cup, and one of the players who is most excited about this moment is Johan Vásquez, who recognized the influence that Rafa Márquez has had within the coaching staff headed by Javier Aguirre.

The Genoa defender assured that the historic former captain of El Tri has been a key piece in improving fundamental aspects of the game, especially starting from the back and handling the ball under pressure.

Johan Vásquez highlights the teaching of Rafa Márquez

A few days before the debut of the Mexican National Team against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, Johan Vásquez highlighted the importance of working alongside a Mexican soccer legend like Rafa Márquez.

“I try to contribute as much as I can from my defensive experience, to which Rafa Márquez helps me a lot with the ball, not just me, he does it with all of us,” said the Genoa defender from Italian Serie A.

Márquez's presence in the coaching staff has been valued by several members of the squad, who consider that his international career provides fundamental knowledge to compete at the highest level.

Rafa Márquez's experience strengthens El Tri

For Johan Vásquez, having close to a figure who shone in European soccer and became a reference for the Mexican National Team represents a unique opportunity for growth.

The man from Sonora believes that the teachings of the former Barcelona player have raised the competitive level of the group and have contributed to consolidating a more solid football identity in this stage prior to the World Cup.

Johan Vásquez and Edson Álvarez, a key partnership in defense

In addition to talking about the team's tactical work, Johan Vásquez highlighted the connection he maintains with Edson Álvarez, a teammate with whom he has built a close relationship on and off the field.

"With Edson Álvarez we are like brothers, we have known each other for many years. It is an honor to share the center with him, we hope it is not the last game, nor the last World Cup. We both can't wait for this to start," said Vásquez.

The defensive duo aims to be one of the bases of the Mexican team during the tournament, thanks to the international experience accumulated by both players.

Mateo Chávez explains the evolution of the Mexican National Team

For his part, Mateo Chávez, AZ Alkmaar full-back, assured that the group's mentality has changed as the start of the 2026 World Cup approaches.

The young defender explained that during much of the process the main objective was to consolidate a game idea and earn a place in the squad, but now the absolute priority is to add results.

"Today we have the focus and concentration to go for the 3 points. Before it was about improving performance and showing yourself to have a place here, but now we know that the result is above everything, we are looking to create a game idea and I feel that we have achieved it," he explained.

This is how Mateo Chávez handles the pressure of the World Cup debut

Despite the expectation surrounding the opening match, Mateo Chávez assured that he seeks to remain calm and focus solely on the present to control his nerves.

The defender explained that he avoids thinking too much about future scenarios and focuses all his energy on daily work with the rest of the squad.

"It helps me not to think too much, to arrive at the game as clear as I can, I like to rule out scenarios that don't work for me, so I live training day by day. I don't know if I'm going to play, but my doors are open for whatever they're going to need from me," he concluded.

The Mexican National Team gets ready for a historic night

With the support of figures like Rafa Márquez, the leadership of established players like Johan Vásquez and Edson Álvarez, and the enthusiasm of young talents like Mateo Chávez, the Mexican National Team faces the final stretch of its preparation for the long-awaited debut in the 2026 World Cup.

The excitement grows among the fans as El Tri prepares to face South Africa in a match that will mark the beginning of a new page in the history of Mexican soccer.