MEXICO CITY.– The Mexican national team has found in Johan Vásquez and César Montes one of its greatest strengths during the 2026 World Cup. The defenders, in addition to sharing the backline of the team coached by Javier Aguirre, maintain a friendship that began when both were just 10 years old and which today is reflected in their understanding on the pitch.
The story of both footballers began in Sonora, where they coincided since their childhood categories and strengthened a relationship that transcended soccer. Over the years, they shared formative processes, coincided at Rayados de Monterrey, won the bronze medal together at the Tokyo Olympic Games, and are now competing in their second World Cup with the Mexican national team.
Vásquez assured that mutual trust has been decisive for the team’s defensive performance, highlighting that both have known each other since childhood and understand each other’s movements almost automatically. That connection has allowed Mexico to exhibit one of the most solid defensive lines in the tournament, further supported by the tactical work led by Rafael Márquez as assistant coach.
For his part, Montes praised the growth of his teammate, whom he described as a benchmark after consolidating himself in Italian soccer. The defender noted that the continuity of both as a center-back pair has strengthened the team’s confidence and contributed to maintaining a high defensive level during the World Cup process.
Mexico is now preparing to face the knockout stage with the goal of breaking the historic quarter-final barrier. The solidity of the duo formed by Vásquez and Montes will be one of the main weapons for the Mexican team in their attempt to continue advancing in the World Cup.
