Mexico Sets Sights on LA 2028 with World Cup Opener in Puebla

The road to the 2028 Summer Games begins not in California, but in the heart of Mexico. Puebla is preparing to host the first stop of the World Cup, an event that serves as the official launch of the Olympic cycle for Mexican archery as the nation targets Los Angeles 2028 from Puebla.

For the Mexican national team, this tournament is more than a home-soil advantage; This proves a critical litmus test. Beyond the immediate pursuit of World Cup glory, the competition will be instrumental in determining the squad that will represent Mexico at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games this coming July.

The Stage: From the Park to the Zócalo

The event is scaled for global impact, bringing together 400 of the world’s premier archers from 22 different countries. The competition is split across two distinct venues in Puebla to maximize both athletic performance and public visibility.

From April 7 to 10, the action will center at the Parque del Arte. However, the tournament will culminate in a high-drama finale on April 11 and 12, moving the competition to the Zócalo de Puebla, where the city’s main square will transform into an open-air arena for the final rounds.

The national team has already touched down in Puebla to begin final preparations under the guidance of coaches Marc Dellenbach and Karen Montellano.

A Powerhouse Roster: The 16-Strong Squad

Mexico has named a comprehensive 16-person squad, blending seasoned Olympic veterans with emerging talent. The selection covers both recurve and compound disciplines, reflecting a strategy of depth across the board.

Recurve Division

The women’s recurve team is anchored by some of the most decorated athletes in the sport. Double Olympic medalist Alejandra Valencia enters as the most experienced member of the group. She is joined by fellow Olympic medalists Ana Paula Vázquez and Ángela Ruiz, both of whom have maintained a high level of consistency in international championships. The squad also marks the debut of Rebeca Márquez Rodríguez.

On the men’s side, Matías Grande is positioned as one of the country’s primary hopes for the upcoming cycle. He leads a recurve contingent that includes Francisco Padilla, Juan Pablo Téllez, and Raúl Tadeo Rodríguez.

Compound Division

In the compound category, Andrea Becerra serves as the benchmark for the team. Becerra, a winner of the 2025 National Sports Award, is currently ranked among the best in the world. She is supported by Dafne Quintero, Adriana Castillo, and Ana Sofía Hernández.

The men’s compound team consists of Sebastián García, Rodrigo González, Lot Máximo Méndez Ortiz, and Juan del Río.

The Strategic Horizon: LA 2028 and Beyond

While the immediate focus is the Puebla World Cup and the subsequent qualifying process for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, the stakes are layered. For the veterans like Valencia, the goal is maintaining dominance. For the newcomers, it is about establishing a presence on the world stage.

The transition from the controlled environment of the Parque del Arte to the public spectacle of the Zócalo will test the athletes’ mental fortitude—a necessary preparation for the pressure of an Olympic final. By integrating high-profile public venues, the Mexican federation is not only testing its athletes but also attempting to grow the sport’s footprint within the country.

With a mix of proven medalists and fresh prospects, Mexico enters this World Cup opener with a clear mandate: establish momentum early in the cycle to ensure a strong showing in both Santo Domingo and eventually Los Angeles.

The competition officially begins on April 7. Stay tuned for live updates and results from the Puebla World Cup as the road to 2028 unfolds.