The Projected 26-man Mexico Squad After the International Break | OneFootball

The March international window has come to an end, and Mexico’s squad list is already starting to take shape as the 26 players for the World Cup are selected. With less than 70 days to go before kickoff of the World Cup in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, this latest window — where Mexico drew 0-0 with Portugal at the Estadio Azteca and 1-1 against Belgium at Soldier Field — gave Javier Aguirre a much clearer idea of who will make up his 26-man roster for the tournament. Some players are cementing their place in the squad, while others are already saying goodbye to the World Cup.

Even though El Tri still has three friendlies left before the tournament starts, the squad Aguirre used in this international window is unlikely to undergo major changes, even if he himself insists no one has a guaranteed spot: “Today, telling you who starts on June 11, I’m not certain — it would be very difficult,” he said after the draw against Belgium.

We could say the World Cup roster is about 90% complete based on what Aguirre will present to FIFA at the end of May, although there’s still room for a couple of late surges. For those players without a secured spot, this is their last call to catch “El Vasco’s” attention.

We put together a simulation of what we believe will be Mexico’s final World Cup roster, including the names that are practically in and those who have missed their chance.

Goalkeepers

Raúl Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), and Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol).In the mix: Andrés Gudiño (Cruz Azul), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca), Alex Padilla (Athletic Club).

There aren’t really any goalkeepers pushing their way into the list or applying serious pressure — unless something unexpected happens between now and when the final squad is submitted.

Defenders

Johan Vásquez (Genoa), César Montes (CSKA), Israel Reyes (América), Jorge Sánchez (Cruz Azul), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Richard Ledezma (Chivas), Everardo López (Toluca), and Mateo Chávez (AZ Alkmaar).

On the outside looking in: Julián Araujo (Celtic), Ramón Juárez (América), Jesús Angulo (Tigres).

Midfielders

Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Orbelín Pineda (AEK), Gilberto Mora (Xolos), Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas), Edson Álvarez (Fenerbahce), Obed Vargas (Atlético Madrid), and Erick Sánchez (Club América).

In the mix: Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Luis Chávez (Dynamo Moscow), César Huerta (Anderlecht), Marcel Ruiz (Toluca), Diego Lainez (Tigres), Denzell García (FC Juárez).

Despite players like Diego Lainez chasing the World Cup dream, it doesn’t quite seem to be enough to win over the coach. Marcel Ruiz could still sneak in if he recovers from a partial ACL tear, which he will not undergo surgery for as he looks to test whether he can continue playing. César Huerta, who plays in Belgium, is recovering from a sports hernia that has already required two surgeries, while Luis Chávez has recovered from an ACL injury suffered during the Gold Cup and has just returned to action, as he looks to fight his way back into the midfield.

Forwards

Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Julián Quiñones (Al Qadsiah), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Santiago Giménez (AC Milan), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham), Armando González (Chivas), and Germán Berterame (Inter Miami).

In the mix: Guillermo Martínez (Pumas), Ángel Sepúlveda (Cruz Azul), Hirving Lozano (without a club).

This is probably the position where Aguirre has the fewest doubts — although the real question is why “El Vasco” would take so many forwards when he currently only plays with one No. 9 and two wingers. Including Jiménez, Giménez, Quiñones (who can also play out wide), Berterame, and González seems excessive, considering he won’t be able to play them all anyway.

Upcoming Fixtures

Mexico will open its campaign on June 11 against South Africa at Estadio Ciudad de México, while on June 18 it will host South Korea at Estadio Guadalajara, before closing the group stage on June 24 against the Czech Republic at Estadio Ciudad de México.

Before the World Cup, El Tri has three friendlies scheduled: vs Ghana on May 22, against Australia on May 29, and against Serbia on June 4.

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