Mexico’s three group-stage victories in the 2026 World Cup have sent fans into the streets to celebrate, but a unique aspect of the excitement surrounding *El Tricolor* is the phrase “What if… yes?” (“¿Y si, sí?” ) After a social media trend—centered on the hope and expectation that Mexico might advance beyond the elusive “fifth game”—went viral, Javier Aguirre weighed in on the internet phenomenon.
During the press conference ahead of the Mexico vs. Ecuador match at Mexico City Stadium, the national team coach revealed what the phrase means to him and the squad. After players like Gilberto Mora alluded to the idea and what it symbolizes for the team, “El Vasco” was direct in his response.
True to form, Javier Aguirre spoke candidly about the meaning of “What if… yes?” for both the team and the fans; what stood out immediately was his spontaneous reaction and surprise regarding the phenomenon. “I’m going to scold my damn kids—they understand this stuff and haven’t told me a thing,” he declared.
When asked about the viral phrase “What if… yes?”—which gained popularity during the World Cup—Aguirre admitted he was unaware of its origins or how his players were using it. “El Vasco” quickly noted that he hadn’t heard it until recently, when the press mentioned how important the phrase had become to the fans.
“I, for one, hadn’t heard it from them; I heard it today—right here, in the interview just a moment ago—and it took me by surprise,” he told the press.
