Raul Jimenez warns England ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16
Synopsis
Raul Jimenez arrives at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 against England as Mexico's second-highest scorer ever, having netted in every Premier League meeting with Jordan Pickford. With a goal dedicated to his late father and a squad galvanised under Javier Aguirre, El Tri are not just making up the numbers — they believe Monday's match is theirs to win.
Key Takeaways
Raul Jimenez has warned England that Mexico are 'fully focused and united' ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash on Monday .
Jimenez has scored 47 international goals , overtaking Jared Borgetti into second place on Mexico's all-time scoring list; only Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez (52) has scored more.
His goal against South Africa was his first-ever World Cup goal across four tournament appearances.
Jimenez has scored against Jordan Pickford in all 6 of their Premier League meetings — more than against any other goalkeeper in his career.
The goal against South Africa was dedicated to his late father, Raul Jimenez Vega , who passed away in March .
England lead the all-time head-to-head with 6 wins from 9 matches ; Mexico have won 2 .
Mexico striker Raul Jimenez has sent a clear message to England ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 showdown, declaring that El Tri are 'fully focused and united' and ready to deliver another memorable night for Mexican football. The last-16 fixture is scheduled for Monday, with Mexico riding high on the back of a commanding group-stage campaign.
Jimenez's tournament form
The 35-year-old forward has been in outstanding touch at this World Cup, netting twice across the group stage. His goal in the 2-0 win over Ecuador pushed his international tally to 47 goals, overtaking Jared Borgetti to move into second place on Mexico's all-time scoring chart. Only Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, with 52 international goals, stands ahead of him.
Jimenez's opening strike of the tournament — against South Africa — was also the first World Cup goal of his career, having featured in three previous editions without finding the net. The emotional celebration that followed was dedicated to his late father, Raul Jimenez Vega, who passed away in March. 'That was for my dad. He'd have been the happiest man in the stadium if he'd been here. This one's for him,' Jimenez said.
What Jimenez said
Speaking ahead of the England fixture, the veteran striker made clear that Mexico are not overawed by the occasion. 'We're fully focused and united. That sense of togetherness and family spirit is spurring us on to great things. We've still got another match to play here in Mexico, and we're fully aware of what's at stake,' he said.
'We're going to give it our absolute all and keep giving the fans something to shout about. We've got a really strong side, and there's been a real sense of togetherness since Vasco (Javier Aguirre) took charge. The sky's the limit,' he added.
The Pickford subplot
The England clash carries a compelling personal dimension for Jimenez. He has faced England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford — currently at Everton — on six occasions in the Premier League and has scored in every single meeting, with Pickford conceding six goals to the Mexican — more than he has conceded to any other player in Jimenez's career. That head-to-head record adds an extra layer of intrigue to Monday's knockout tie.
Historical head-to-head and what's at stake
England and Mexico have met in 9 official matches in their history. The Three Lions hold the upper hand with 6 wins, while El Tri have won 2 and one match ended in a draw. A Mexican victory on Monday would be only the third in the fixture's history — and the most consequential by far. With coach Javier Aguirre having instilled a strong collective identity since taking charge, Mexico arrive in the knockout rounds as a cohesive unit with genuine belief.
Point of View
Finally scores at a World Cup, and dedicates it to a father who never got to see it. But beyond the narrative, his Pickford record is a genuine tactical concern for England: six Premier League appearances, six goals conceded. Gareth Southgate's successors will need a plan for a striker who clearly relishes that matchup. Mexico under Aguirre have shed the defensive anxiety that plagued earlier cycles; if El Tri can replicate their Ecuador performance, England's path to the quarter-finals will be far from straightforward.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Mexico play England at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mexico face England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Monday. The match is a knockout fixture, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals.
How many international goals has Raul Jimenez scored?
Raul Jimenez has scored 47 international goals for Mexico, making him the second-highest scorer in the national team's history. Only Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, with 52 goals, has scored more.
What is Jimenez's record against Jordan Pickford?
Jimenez has faced England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford six times in the Premier League and scored in every single meeting, with Pickford conceding six goals to the Mexican striker — more than against any other player in Jimenez's career.
Why did Jimenez's World Cup goal carry special personal significance?
Jimenez's goal against South Africa was the first World Cup goal of his career after featuring in three previous tournaments without scoring. He dedicated the celebration to his late father, Raul Jimenez Vega, who passed away in March.
What is the all-time head-to-head record between England and Mexico?
England and Mexico have met in 9 official matches in history. England lead with 6 wins, Mexico have won 2, and one match ended in a draw.
