Santiago Gimenez has firmly established himself as one of the key players expected to lead the Mexico national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with new head coach Javier Aguirre putting his trust in the rising star. Ahead of the tournament, the AC Milan striker made a bold statement that has sparked excitement among fans.
Mexico is one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup—alongside the United States and Canada—and has therefore automatically qualified. Still, Gimenez is focused on helping the team grow stronger in the lead-up to the tournament and believes Mexico has the potential to reach the summit of world soccer.
When asked whether he believes he can one day become a world champion, Gimenez didn’t hesitate. “Yes. Hopefully—I hope so. But God will decide. I’ll do everything I can, and so will the team. I truly believe we’re going to see Mexico as world champions, one hundred percent,” the striker told Vamos Show on YouTube.
Out of 22 World Cup editions, Mexico has qualified for 17, missing just five. The 2026 tournament will mark a historic milestone, as Mexico becomes the first nation to host three different World Cups, after previously staging the tournament in 1970 and 1986.
Gimenez sees this strong soccer tradition as the foundation for something bigger. While he didn’t specifically promise a title run in 2026, his confidence has opened the door for fans to dream—especially with him leading the line.
see also
Video: Edson Alvarez scores stunning header for Mexico in 2025 Gold Cup opener vs. Dominican Republic
Gimenez building chemistry with Raul Jimenez
One of the tactical tweaks under coach Javier Aguirre has been the use of a two-striker formation, pairing Santiago Gimenez with veteran Raul Jimenez rather than picking between them. The Milan forward recalled the moment they found out they’d be starting together.
“We thought it was almost impossible that would happen. Even the day before, I think Raul and I trained with different squads, so we didn’t see it coming. Then in the pre-match talk, he said, ‘Raul and Santiago.’ At that moment, we both got excited. As strikers, we always support each other—just like defenders stick together.”
He also shared what it means to play alongside the Fulham striker. “But for me, beyond just being a forward, playing alongside Raul—who’s a great player and a major figure—also inspires me to give my best. And in these Nations League matches, for example, Raul was flying. I felt very comfortable with him—he solves everything,” Gimenez concluded.
So far, the partnership seems to be paying off. In Mexico’s opening game of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup against the Dominican Republic, Gimenez delivered a perfectly timed through ball to set up Raul Jimenez for a goal—an early sign of what this duo could bring to the national team moving forward.
