Mexico has officially kicked off its preparations for the 2026 World Cup, announcing the first wave of call-ups for an upcoming training camp and a friendly match in May. Head coach Javier Aguirre has named 12 players who will form the core of the squad for the tournament, meaning they will miss their clubs' Liguilla playoff matches. Additionally, 8 players have been called up as sparring partners and will be available for the friendly against Ghana in Puebla, a match that will not feature any European-based players.
As a co-host of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico is set to open the tournament against South Africa on June 11th, making these early preparations crucial for building team chemistry. The 12 players selected for the World Cup squad include a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars, with a strong presence from Chivas. The goalkeepers are Raul Rangel (Chivas) and Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), while the defense features Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Israel Reyes (America), and Luis Romo (Chivas). In midfield, Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Brian Gutierrez (Chivas), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), and Roberto Alvarado (Chivas) will look to control the tempo. Up front, Armando Gonzalez (Chivas), Alexis Vega (Toluca), and Guillermo Martinez (Pumas) provide attacking options.
The sparring group, which will also help fill out the roster for the Ghana friendly, includes defenders Jesus Antonio Gomez (Tijuana), Eduardo Aguila (San Luis), Luis Rey (Puebla), and Denzell Garcia (FC Juarez), as well as midfielders Iker Fimbres (Monterrey) and Jairo Torres (FC Juarez).
Among the most notable call-ups, Gilberto Mora, Alexis Vega, Raul Rangel, Armando Gonzalez, and Israel Reyes were expected to feature, given their recent form. However, the inclusion of Guillermo Martinez has raised eyebrows. The Pumas forward has performed well domestically but has limited experience with the national team, and his call-up appears to be a strategic experiment by Aguirre, likely due to his height and aerial ability. On the flip side, the biggest omission is Richard Ledezma, who had impressed after arriving in Mexico and was widely expected to be part of the squad. Diego Lainez's absence is less surprising, as rumors of his exclusion had been circulating since February.
With the World Cup just over a year away, these early decisions signal Aguirre's intent to build a cohesive unit, blending youth and experience as Mexico aims to make a strong statement on home soil. Fans will be watching closely to see how these players perform in the upcoming camps and friendlies.