2018 Mexico Away – Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez #14 Large

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was a rollercoaster for the Mexico national team.

• Group Stage:

  • Mexico stunned the world in their opener, defeating reigning champions Germany 1–0 in Moscow, with Hirving Lozano scoring the winner in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

  • They followed up with a 2–1 victory over South Korea.

  • Despite losing 3–0 to Sweden in the final group match, Mexico advanced to the Round of 16 for the seventh consecutive World Cup.

• Round of 16: Mexico faced Brazil, where they were eliminated after a 2–0 defeat.

• Overall Storyline: Mexico once again showcased their resilience and ability to shock world powers, but they also continued their curse of falling short in the Round of 16 (“El Quinto Partido” drought).

• Kit: The 2018 away jersey by Adidas featured a crisp white base with horizontal green and burgundy stripes across the chest — a modern, stylish design that was widely praised as one of the best kits of the tournament.

2. Player’s Impact – Javier “Chicharito” Hernández (2018 World Cup)

Chicharito, Mexico’s all-time leading scorer, entered the 2018 World Cup as the face of the national team and delivered important contributions.

• Appearances: Played in all four of Mexico’s matches (three starts, one substitute appearance).

• Goals: Scored one crucial goal in the 2–1 win over South Korea, becoming the first Mexican player to score in three different World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018).

• Role: Operated as the central striker, combining intelligent runs in behind defenses with relentless work rate. His link-up play with Lozano, Carlos Vela, and Andrés Guardado was vital in transition.

• Legacy: By 2018, Chicharito was already a national icon, and this tournament further cemented his status. His goal vs. South Korea was his 50th international goal, extending his record as Mexico’s top scorer.

3. Full Squad List – Mexico 2018 World Cup

Manager: Juan Carlos Osorio

Goalkeepers:

• Guillermo Ochoa (Standard Liège)

• Alfredo Talavera (Toluca)

• José de Jesús Corona (Cruz Azul)

Defenders:

• Héctor Moreno (Real Sociedad)

• Carlos Salcedo (Eintracht Frankfurt)

• Diego Reyes (Porto)

• Miguel Layún (Sevilla)

• Edson Álvarez (Club América)

• Jesús Gallardo (Pumas UNAM)

• Hugo Ayala (Tigres UANL)

• Rafael Márquez (Atlas)

Midfielders:

• Andrés Guardado (Real Betis)

• Héctor Herrera (Porto)

• Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy)

• Jonathan dos Santos (LA Galaxy)

• Marco Fabián (Eintracht Frankfurt)

• Jesús Molina (Monterrey)

Forwards:

• Javier “Chicharito” Hernández (West Ham United)

• Hirving Lozano (PSV Eindhoven)

• Carlos Vela (LAFC)

• Raúl Jiménez (Benfica)

• Oribe Peralta (Club América)

• Javier Aquino (Tigres UANL)

• Jesús “Tecatito” Corona (Porto)