José de Jesús “Chuy” Corona, three-time World Cup goalkeeper with the Mexican National Team (Germany 2006, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018), highlighted the performance of the national team in the recent 2026 World Cup.

The goalkeeper highlighted that the tricolor representative far exceeded the expectations they had before starting the tournament.

Interviewed prior to the match where his former team, Cruz Azul, won the Champion of Champions trophy after beating Toluca 3-2, Corona valued the environment of unity that Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre built with his players. "The truth is that they exceeded all expectations because they really didn't have a high perspective. However, the boys demonstrated their great ability to reverse the bad moments they had been going through," said the goalkeeper.

"They closed ranks together and that was fundamental; I was very happy for Vasco Aguirre." When asked what he liked most about the performance of the Aztec squad, the man from Guadalajara recognized the drastic change in attitude of the team. "They changed the face of the National Team and represented us in a dignified manner. They reached sixth place, achieving the long-awaited fifth game, although under a new competition format. They left everything on the field and the country Thank you.”The secret of gold in London 2012

Recalling his time of glory as captain and gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympic Games, Corona reflected on the virtues of that group and what has yet to be replicated in the senior team. "That was a team convinced of its objective from the moment we started the tournament. We blindly trusted each other; solidarity and collective commitment were the keys."

The former celestial goalkeeper added that the goal of transcending was firmly impregnated in each footballer, also pointing out the main structural problem of Mexican football: "We achieved the goal of gold because the group was clear about it. I think that what has been missing in the subsequent Absolute Selection processes is, simply, giving true follow-up to the successful teams."Message for the Mexican jewel: Gilberto Mora

Finally, "Chuy" Corona took time to send advice to the young promise of national football, Gilberto Mora, urging him to manage his growth with patience and ambition. "At this moment what he should do is enjoy, continue growing and learn as much as possible from his coaches and teammates. Staying in the National Team and consolidating in the First Division are already realities; his next big step and main challenge must be to seek to go to Europe. This will make him mature both in football and personally."

Regarding his long relationship with fellow goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, Corona concluded with words of appreciation: "I was very happy for him. I know Memo very well, we shared three World Cup processes since we went as second and third goalkeeper. We have a great relationship based on mutual respect and admiration."