Mexico hope a month of isolation can rekindle the magic of the 1986 World Cup
Mexico's national soccer team is preparing for the upcoming World Cup by isolating players for a month, reminiscent of their successful 1986 campaign. Coach Javier Aguirre, inspired by past methods, has removed players from their clubs during the Liga MX playoffs to foster team unity. This decision has sparked controversy among fans and analysts, who question the effectiveness of such isolation in modern football.
- ▪Mexico's national team won a recent friendly match against Ghana.
- ▪The team is isolating players for 30 days ahead of the World Cup, similar to their 1986 strategy.
- ▪This decision has led to discontent among fans of Liga MX clubs, particularly affecting teams like Chivas de Guadalajara.
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Mexico won their most recent friendly, against Ghana. Photograph: Héctor Vivas/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenMexico won their most recent friendly, against Ghana. Photograph: Héctor Vivas/Getty ImagesMexicoMexico hope a month of isolation can rekindle the magic of the 1986 World CupEl Tri reached the quarter-finals the last time they hosted the tournament. They’re hoping old methods can revive the team after a disastrous outing in 2022Raúl VilchisFri 29 May 2026 05.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 29 May 2026 05.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIt was January 1986 and the temperature at the peak of La Malinche, one of Mexico’s tallest mountains, had plummeted to a bone-chilling cold.
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