While not exactly World Cup masters, El Tri nonetheless have a relatively impressive recent record at the tournament. They have made it out of their section at each of the last five tournaments, including in 2010, when they were drawn in a tough section
But they may not be such a force this time. Mexico only just scraped to Brazil after a shoddy qualifying campaign, while coach Miguel Herrera – who took charge in October – has had something of a baptism of fire.
Can they dig deep to get out of the group?
Key players
Javier Hernandez - The Manchester United man had a poor season at club level but had a fine record for his country. He did well at the Confederations Cup and will be eyeing more goals.
Giovani dos Santos - Finally finding his feet after a frustrating few years, the former Barcelona man is Mexico's key creative force.
Rafael Marquez - He's not the player he once was, but the centre-back is still an important part of Herrera's backline.
Rising star
Technically gifted and with an eye for a killer pass, Isaac Brizuela has been one of the most impressive performers in the Mexican league in recent months.
Form
Mexico have struggled since the last World Cup. Their place in Brazil was only confirmed at the last minute after a series of disappointing results in qualifying.
Expectation
Having been managed by four different men in 2013 alone, Mexico are in transition. A place in the knockout stages would go down very well.
Quirky fact
Just two months after World Cup 2010, Carlos Vela and Efrain Juarez were banned for organising a party after a friendly. Then, in 2011, eight players in the Copa América squad became embroiled in a prostitution scandal.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Jose de Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca).
Defenders: Miguel Layun, Paul Aguilar, Francisco Javier Rodriguez (all America), Carlos Salcido (Tigres), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Diego Reyes (Porto), Rafael Marquez (Leon).
Midfielders: Miguel Angel Ponce, Isaac Brizuela (both Toluca), Jose Juan Vasquez, Luis Montes, Carlos Pena (all Leon), Hector Herrera (Porto), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul).
Forwards: Oribe Peralta (Santos), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal), Raul Jimenez (America), Alan Pulido (Tigres)
Fixtures (Group A)
- June 13 - Cameroon
- June 17 - Brazil
- June 23 - Croatia