For the first time since he was just 15 years old, Andrés Guardado won't be wearing the green jersey of Mexico at a World Cup. The legendary midfielder—who holds the record for most appearances for El Tri with 180 caps—will trade his boots for a microphone this summer, joining Telemundo as an analyst for the 2026 tournament.

Guardado's absence from the pitch marks the end of an era. He played in five World Cups, from 2006 to 2022, and shared the field with icons like Rafa Márquez and current manager Javier Aguirre. Now, as he steps into the broadcast booth for the first time, he's ready to offer a unique perspective—one shaped by years of experience at the highest level.

"I don't think it will be difficult to criticize when necessary," Guardado told USA TODAY Sports. "If I see something that doesn't work, I'll say it on TV—and I'll tell them directly too. They know me. They know my analysis comes from a good place."

That honesty is exactly why Guardado's name keeps popping up in conversations about Mexico's future coaching staff. With Márquez set to take over after the 2026 World Cup, reports in Mexico suggest Guardado could join him as an assistant, aiming to guide El Tri toward the 2030 tournament.

When asked directly about the coaching role, Guardado was measured but open. "I'd have to think about it," he said. "But I've always said I want to give back to the national team that gave me everything."

For now, though, his focus is on the World Cup—just from a different angle. Whether analyzing from the studio or eventually leading from the sideline, one thing is clear: Andrés Guardado's connection to Mexico's national team is far from over.