With the World Cup just more than 400 days away, GOAL looks at how the México squad might look next summer
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Despite not facing the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League final, Javier Aguirre delivered Mexico's first title in the tournament, a result that has delighted FMF officials. In his third stint with El Tri, Aguirre lifted that burden from the national team, and this summer, he will aim to defend the title won in the 2023 Gold Cup.
The coach has Santiago Giménez as both the present and future of the attack and, surprisingly, saw Raúl Jiménez regain his best form during Nations League, scoring four goals. Perhaps, after many years, Guillermo Ochoa may no longer be the starting goalkeeper, as Luis Ángel Malagón has emerged as a true shot-stopper, who is shaping up to be the starter for the 2026 World Cup.
But if the tournament started today, who would make the cut for the 23-man roster? Could this solid team remain steady, or is there room for improvement? GOAL takes a way-too-early look.
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It seems that the goalkeeper position for the Mexican National Team is already decided. At 28, América's Luis Ángel Malagón secured the undisputed starting role under Aguirre for Nations League, a squad that didn’t even include Guillermo Ochoa.
Next year, Ochoa will aim to break the record for most World Cups played – six – and while Aguirre is likely to include him in the squad to achieve this milestone, will he be able to regain his No. 1 spot?
The battle for the third goalkeeper spot in the squad will be between Raúl Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos), and Alex Padilla, the Athletic Club keeper on loan at Pumas.
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Aguirre seems to have his center-back pairing set: César Montes and Johan Vásquez, both bringing European experience and forming a reliable duo.
Adding to the defense is Rodrigo Huescas, who has impressed at Copenhagen and can provide dynamism in the backline.
The full-back positions are still up for debate, but Jesús Gallardo and Israel Reyes performed well in the Nations League. América's defender Ramón Juárez, at 23, will head into the 2026 World Cup with more maturity and experience.
With his development, Aguirre has a solid and reliable defensive unit for the tournament, which will be held in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
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Mexico’s midfield boasts high-caliber names, led by Edson Álvarez, a key figure for West Ham and the El Tri captain. Luis Romo could partner with Álvarez in the center, and together, they have 143 caps for El Tri, bringing the experience Aguirre values.
Additionally, Luis Chávez and Erik Lira play crucial but often under-appreciated roles for both their clubs and the national team. Carlos Rodríguez of Cruz Azul has been a regular call-up, though with limited playing time, making him a likely backup option.
One notable absence from the recent squad was Erick Sánchez of América, but if he maintains his strong form, he could push for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
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Mexico looks set to have a promising attack for the 2026 World Cup, led by Nations League MVP Raúl Jiménez. Aguirre opted for a two-striker formation in the Nations League, and it paid off. Giménez will arrive at his first World Cup with more maturity and, if all goes well, as a key player for AC Milan.
On the wings, César Huerta from Anderlecht and Roberto Alvarado will be crucial weapons for Mexico’s flank play. Meanwhile, Orbelín Pineda and Julián Quiñones are two players who excel at playing behind the striker, adding dynamism to the attack.
Another name to watch is Alexis Vega from Toluca FC, who has rediscovered his best form. However, it remains to be seen if he can maintain his level over the next year.
