The Mexican national soccer team finalized its tactical preparations on June 29, 2026, at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento ahead of their round of 32 World Cup knockout match against Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca.
Mexico enters the elimination stage undefeated and without conceding a single goal during the group phase.
Gonzalez on Team Mindset and Fan Support
Striker Armando Gonzalez addressed the media regarding the high technical quality of the opposition and the mindset inside the Mexican camp.
"We know they are great players.
I see them all when they play in the Champions League, but I tell you, the opponent does not move us.
If we want to achieve the objective, we will have to face the best, so we know what we are capable of and we work to improve," Gonzalez said.
The Guadalajara forward emphasized that the squad remains entirely unified and focused on advancing deep into the tournament, with several players openly aiming to reach the final match.
"The opponent does not move our objective. To do what we want, we have to face the best.
Obviously, we have that goal. No one here in the team doubts that we can achieve it," Gonzalez added.
He also highlighted the strong connection developing between the squad and the local fans, noting that playing at the historic venue provides a significant advantage for the home nation.
"I think it is something very beautiful because it makes us believe, and we also have that same illusion of achieving great things.
The Azteca is a very important, very historic venue, and having our people gives us a plus.
I know they will not use the long travel as an excuse; they will leave their souls on the pitch, so we cannot give anything away," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez Accepts Bench Role Under Aguirre
Gonzalez, who previously played 15 minutes as a substitute against South Africa on June 11, explained that he fully accepts his current position on the bench under manager Javier Aguirre.
"I said it once, I have no problem being a substitute. I am very grateful to have been considered for the World Cup, my first World Cup.
I am here for whatever is needed, one minute, five minutes, supporting from the bench.
All 26 players want to achieve the objective and be there for what the coach needs from me.
Train well, take care of myself, that is what depends on me.
I am not the one who sets the lineup; it depends on me to work," Gonzalez said.
The striker further noted that he follows a strict, gram-based nutrition plan and expressed gratitude toward veteran teammates Santiago Gimenez, Raul Jimenez, and Guillermo Martinez for their guidance.
"I have no problem being a substitute. I am very grateful to have been considered for a World Cup, my first World Cup.
I am here for whatever is needed, one minute, five minutes, supporting from the bench," he reiterated.
Regarding his strict dietary habits, the forward revealed that weighing food portions is a routine he developed early in his career.
"Yes, I started doing it since the youth teams. It is a nutrition plan based on grams, portion sizes, and so on," Gonzalez said.
He credited his fellow forwards for creating a supportive environment that has helped him adapt to his first senior World Cup tournament.
"Everyone here has helped me a lot. Not only Raul, but also Santi and Memote.
They have helped me grow, always looking out for me, helping me with what I need. I am very grateful to all three," Gonzalez said.
The internal team chemistry was described as highly cooperative, with players expressing a deep sense of brotherhood and mutual commitment ahead of the knockout stage.
"We are excited, focused on what we want to achieve, and this is one more step toward the objective.
It has been like that since day one—all the jokes, all the games make everything more fun, and we have that extra knowing we have a brother beside us who will give his life for us," Gonzalez said.
When asked about his personal faith and his regular visits to the chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the player explained his spiritual perspective on the sport.
"In my case, I am very grateful to God for everything he has given me.
I thank him and ask him to protect us; that is all I ask.
It is a dream we have; we know all the people are with us, and we will give our souls for it," Gonzalez said.
In a final media appearance, teammate Jesus Gallardo stated that while the team is proud of winning all three group matches, they remain focused because Ecuador presents a highly dynamic and powerful challenge.
The winner of this match will advance to the round of 16, with the victorious side scheduled to play their next tournament fixture at the Estadio Azteca on July 5.
