Mexico's Santiago Giménez: El Tri Can Make History At 2026 World Cup

AC Milan striker Santiago Giménez believes Mexico can defy expectations and lift the World Cup in 2026. Motivated by missing out on Qatar 2022, Giménez embraces his role as a dreamer and leader, convinced that belief, unity, and attacking partnerships - including a potential duo with Raúl Jiménez - can push El Tri toward a historic summer on home soil.

The AC Milan striker believes Mexico has what it takes to shock the world and lift the FIFA World Cup in 2026, a tournament that will be played on home soil and one he sees as deeply personal after missing out on Qatar 2022.

"I believe we will make history," Giménez said in an interview with ESPN. "As I said before, I’m a big dreamer. I want to be a world champion with Mexico."

For Giménez, belief is not naïve optimism but a necessary starting point. He insists that dreaming costs nothing, but turning it into reality requires collective conviction.

"Of course I can see it happening," he said. "Believing doesn’t cost anything, and neither does dreaming. Now we have to put it into practice and spread that belief to everyone who joins us, because 130 million Mexicans together are strong."

The 24-year-old forward also addressed the possibility of forming an attacking partnership with Jiménez, a duo that could become one of Mexico’s most dangerous weapons heading into the tournament.

"I think we’re two strikers who have done very well in Europe, and I believe we make a great partnership," Giménez explained. "We know each other really well, and whenever we’ve played together, we’ve performed at a high level."

Beyond the tactical fit, Giménez highlighted the chemistry and friendship he’s developed with the Fulham striker through their time with the national team.

"He’s a great