Mexico national team manager Javier Aguirre has released his 55-man preliminary roster for the 2026 World Cup. The most notable omission is San Diego FC winger Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano. Aguirre cited a lack of playing time and reported disciplinary issues with Lozano's MLS club as the reason.
Lozano had a promising start to the season but was involved in a locker room altercation with head coach Mikey Varas. His last appearance was as a substitute in San Diego's playoff loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The preliminary roster is headlined by veterans Raul Jimenez, Edson Alvarez, and goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who is seeking a record sixth World Cup appearance. The squad will be cut to 26 players by the FIFA deadline on June 1.
Rising star Rodrigo Huescas is out due to an ACL tear. Key injuries also sideline Jesus Orozco and Luis Angel Malagon. However, Aguirre included several players returning from injury, like Luis Chavez, Cesar Huerta, and Julian Araujo. Six goalkeepers are being evaluated.
The roster also features a growing number of naturalized and dual-national players, including German Berterame, Julian Quinones, and Alvaro Fidalgo. Mexican-American prospects Brian Gutierrez, Richard Ledezma, and Obed Vargas are also in the mix.
The Mexican Football Federation issued an ultimatum to Liga MX players: report for camp or be excluded from the World Cup roster. This followed a dispute where Toluca players Jesus Gallardo and Alexis Vega skipped camp for a Champions Cup match. All 20 players called to the pre-World Cup camp have now reported.
Mexico opens the World Cup on home soil against South Africa on June 11 at Estadio Banorte. They also face South Korea and Czechia in Group play. Pre-tournament friendlies are set against Ghana, Australia, and Serbia.