The Selección Mexicana delivered a historic first phase at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, winning all three of its group-stage matches to advance with a perfect record. Behind that run, one constant stood out: the strong influence of Chivas players, who were directly involved in several of the most decisive moments of El Tri’s campaign.
Across both current Guadalajara squad members and players developed in the Cantera Rojiblanca, the Rebaño Sagradoimprint was present throughout the group stage, with goals, assists, and key saves helping Mexico secure one of its best World Cup starts in history — nine points from nine and a clean sheet across all three matches.
A Rojiblanco stamped debut
Mexico’s World Cup journey began with a 2–0 win over South Africa at Estadio Ciudad de México. The Rojiblancoinfluence was evident from the opening whistle. Roberto Alvarado emerged as one of the most influential attacking players, providing the assist for the second goal, while Raúl Rangel brought composure between the posts to secure a clean sheet.
Meanwhile, Brian Gutiérrez delivered a strong performance in midfield, actively involved in the attacking build-up and drawing a red card that shifted the momentum of the match.
Additionally, Armando González made his World Cup debut, coming off the bench in the second half and adding movement and combination play in the final third.
Luis Romo and Raúl Rangel lead the qualification push
Matchday 2 featured one of the most decisive Rojiblanco moments of the tournament. At Estadio Guadalajara, Luis Romo stepped up at a crucial moment, scoring the goal that secured Mexico’s place in the knockout stage.
Raúl Rangel was once again decisive. In the closing stages, with South Korea pushing for an equaliser, the Chivasgoalkeeper produced a spectacular double save to preserve Mexico’s lead.
Roberto Alvarado and Brian Gutiérrez also retained their place in the starting XI, providing intensity, attacking fluidity, and solutions in Javier Aguirre’s system.
A historic win sealed with Rojiblanco presence
Mexico closed out the group stage with a commanding 3–0 victory over Czechia to complete a perfect run and book their place in the knockout rounds.
Once again, Guadalajara players played a leading role. The opening goal carried a Rojiblanco signature, with Luis Romoproviding the assist for the finish by Mateo Chávez, a Cantera Rojiblanca graduate currently playing for AZ Alkmaar.
Roberto Alvarado once again proved decisive in the attacking phase, registering an assist for Álvaro Fidalgo, while Raúl Rangel delivered another top-level performance to keep Mexico scoreless for a third consecutive match.
With El Tri now into the knockout stage, the Rojiblanco presence remains a constant on football’s biggest stage, reaffirming the impact of Guadalajara-developed talent within the Selección Mexicana.
Rojiblanco numbers in the Selección Mexicana
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Players called up: 5
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Goals by players linked to Guadalajara: 2
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Assists by players linked to Guadalajara: 3
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Starts for Raúl Rangel: 3
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Clean sheets for Raúl Rangel: 3
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Key double save by Raúl Rangel: 1
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Assists for Roberto Alvarado: 2
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Red cards drawn by Brian Gutiérrez: 1
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Red cards drawn by Roberto Alvarado: 1
