More Merlin news! It appears the faceless officials at Fifa have ruined his dreams of World Cup glory. This from AP:
Merlín was granted access to the Azteca Stadium grounds to film a segment with Televisa, one of Latin America’s largest television networks. Under strict security protocols, Merlín traveled comfortably inside a transport crate, accompanied by owner Carla Gómez and her son Cristian, as curious fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the tournament’s most unexpected star. However, he could not remain for the match, as Fifa regulations prohibit animals from entering venues in order to safeguard their well-being.
Of course, the biggest Mexican news of the tournament has happened already. The team could go out in the last-32 and the important targets would still have been achieved:
Czechia face a tough route to reach the next round – they need a win today and for other results to go their way. But they’ll always have a claim on a piece of footballing history:
Brazil have sealed their place as group winners after beating Scotland – Morocco finished second thanks to their win over Haiti. That means El Tri would face a quarter-final with Brazil in Miami if both teams progress to the quarter-finals. Mexico will play their last-32 game in Mexico City after guaranteeing their place at the top of the group with their win over South Korea. If they win their last-32 game they’ll play their next match at the Azteca too – then any further games would take place in the US.
Mexico have sealed their place in the next round, and the team is changing, along with the country. Raul Vilchis reports from Mexico City:
In a March night in Guadalajara in 2024, Club América were winning El Clásico Nacional. Julián Quiñones, their star player, had scored and headed toward the sideline. Then a shout at Quiñones, who is Black, rang out from the stands. ¡Puto negro! A racial slur.
Moments later, monkey noises were heard in the stands. The scene was familiar to anyone who follows Mexican soccer. Cell phone videos captured it. Commentators analyzed it the next day. Officials condemned it. Investigations were announced. For a few days, the Mexican game went through its ritual of shock.
Then the season continued. Another match, another transfer rumor, another refereeing controversy. That June, Quiñones moved to Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, where he would become the league’s top scorer. The incident was lost in the vast archive of soccer’s weekly dramas. Or so it seemed.
Less than two years later, another Mexican stadium produced another uproar. This time it was a celebration.
On 11 June, Quiñones scored Mexico’s first goal in the 2026 World Cup, the opening triumph in a tournament played on home soil for the first time in four decades. Tens of thousands rose to their feet. Television commentators chanted his name. Images of the striker draped in the Mexican flag flooded social media. The same culture that had publicly denigrated him hailed him as a national hero.
You can read the full report below:
Alex will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s what’s left to play for in the group:
Mexico are through as group winners and will face a third-placed team from Group C, E, F, H or I. South Korea could match their points total but Mexico beat them so would be top on head-to-head.
South Korea would guarantee qualification with a win or draw against South Africa.
Czechia would progress in second if they beat Mexico, South Africa beat South Korea and they ultimately finish above South Africa. Should they win and finish third they may have a route.
South Africa progress in second if they beat South Korea and ultimately finish above Czechia. Should the win and finish third they may have a route.
You can read more about the permutations at the World Cup here:
