Team profile: Mexico
‘El Tricolour’ are making their 13th appearance at the World Cup Finals, however should they reach the quarter finals for the third time it will be the first time they have done so without the benefit of playing on home soil. While few regard them a serious challenge to the European and South
FIFA Ranking: 4
Coach: Ricardo La Volpe
Key players: Rafael Marquez, Jared Borgetti, Guillermo Franco
World Cup record: 13th appearance
Best finish: Quarterfinals 1970, 1986
Last appearance: Second round 2002
Qualifying route: Second in CONCACAF’s final group
Key question: While the side has plenty of experience most play in the domestic league. Will that be enough to satisfy a nation hungry for success?
Squad:
| Goalkeepers | # |
| Oswaldo Sanchez | 1 |
| Jesus Corona | 12 |
| Guillermo Ochoa | 13 |
| Defenders | |
| Claudio Suarez | 2 |
| Carlos Salcido | 3 |
| Rafael Marquez | 4 |
| Ricardo Osorio | 5 |
| Gonzalo Pineda | 14 |
| Jose Antonio Castro | 15 |
| Mario Mendez | 16 |
| Andres Guardado | 18 |
| Francisco Rodriguez | 22 |
| Midfielders | |
| Gerardo Torrado | 6 |
| Zinha | 7 |
| Pavel Pardo | 8 |
| Rafael Garcia | 20 |
| Luis Perez | 23 |
| Forwards | |
| Jared Borgetti | 9 |
| Guillermo Franco | 10 |
| Ramon Morales | 11 |
| Jose Fonseca | 17 |
| Omar Bravo | 19 |
| Jesus Arellano | 21 |
Group matches:
v Iran, 16:00 GMT, Sunday 11th June – Nuremberg
v Angola, 19:00 GMT, Friday 16th June – Hanover
v Portugal, 14:00 GMT, Wednesday 21st June – Gelsenkirchen