Mexico's World Cup preparation faces disruption as the Mexican Football Federation threatens to drop any player who fails to report to the mandatory training camp starting Wednesday. The ultimatum follows a dispute with Liga MX clubs over player availability during a busy schedule of domestic and continental fixtures.
The FMF had initially granted Toluca players special permission to miss the camp for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal against Los Angeles FC. However, the federation reversed course, insisting all called-up players must report to the High Performance Centre in Mexico City or face exclusion from the World Cup squad.
Club owner Amaury Vergara criticized the decision, urging Mexico coach Javier Aguirre to allow players to return for the Liga MX Clausura quarterfinals. The row highlights the ongoing tension between clubs and the national team ahead of the World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the U.S. and Canada.
ESPN Mexico reports that Toluca’s Alexis Vega and Jesus Gallardo will join the squad. Mexico plays friendlies against Ghana, Australia, and Serbia before opening Group A against South Africa on June 11.