Luis Romo of Guadalajara Chivas says Mexico aimed at 2026 Cup | D. Aguirre

Guadalajara Chivas saw its captain Luis Romo declare that, during the 2026 World Cup, the Mexican National Team began to think about lifting the trophy. The midfielder, who scored against South Korea in the group stage, explained that the squad stopped limiting itself to competing and started believing it could become champion.

What did Romo say about the Tri's mindset?

Romo stated that, for the first time, the Mexican squad convinced itself it could aim for the title. “Javier Aguirre always said we must represent the country and I think we did. There were no doubts. You saw England and felt we could beat them,” the player said. The elimination, he added, was painful because the team was sure it could keep progressing.

How did the "What if yes?" affect the locker room?

During the tournament, the phrase “What if yes?” became a popular slogan among fans and, according to Romo, also resonated with the players. The bond between the team and the supporters, he explained, was one of the biggest achievements of the process. “When something represents you, you join and become part of it,” he added, noting that the sense of unity allowed them to compete against nations with world‑class talent.

What role did Javier Aguirre play?

Romo credits much of the shift to Javier Aguirre’s work, who insisted on representing the country both on and off the pitch. The coach, according to the captain, strengthened the group’s identity and fostered the unity that made belief in victory possible. “That ‘What if yes?’ must stay alive,” Romo emphasized.

What does he expect from Rafael Márquez as new head coach?

The midfielder also backed Rafael Márquez’s project, who will take over the Tri. Romo noted that Márquez has the experience needed to continue the work started by Aguirre, having served on his coaching staff. “Rafa is the right man to keep building what we began,” he concluded.

What does this mean for Guadalajara Chivas?

For Chivas, Romo’s words reinforce the club’s reputation as a breeding ground for leaders who impact the national team. The confidence displayed at the 2026 World Cup raises the profile of its players and opens the door to future success at both club and international levels. The blend of leadership, unity and ambition Romo describes promises to keep feeding Guadalajara Chivas’ identity in upcoming tournaments.