Mexico coach Javier Aguirre announced a 26-man roster on Thursday for upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium, with the surprising return of 40-year-classic goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa headlining the selections. The matches, to be held on March 28th and April 1st respectively, serve as crucial preparation ahead of Mexico’s World Cup debut against South Africa this summer.
The squad announcement comes amid an injury crisis for El Tri, with key players Edson Álvarez, Santiago Giménez, Gilberto Mora, Marcel Ruiz and Luis Malagón all sidelined. Malagón’s Achilles tendon rupture paved the way for Ochoa’s recall, marking a potential opportunity for the veteran to earn a spot in his sixth World Cup – a feat matched only by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are also aiming for a sixth appearance this year.
While Raúl Rangel is currently favored to be the starting goalkeeper, Ochoa’s experience and pedigree make him a strong contender for a place in Aguirre’s final World Cup roster, according to reports. Ochoa last appeared for the national team in November 2024.
Alongside Ochoa’s return, the roster features the first-ever call-up for Spanish-born midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo. Fidalgo, who recently joined Real Betis after a successful stint with Club América where he won three consecutive championships, is expected to bolster Mexico’s midfield following Ruiz’s injury.
The inclusion of Pumas forward Guillermo Martínez raised eyebrows, given his limited playing time with his club this season, having started only one of 11 Liga MX games. Aguirre opted to include a total of five natural center forwards in the squad: Martínez, Raúl Jiménez, Armando González, Germán Berterame, and Julián Quiñones.
Liga MX powerhouse Chivas is well-represented in the squad, with five players selected, including former USMNT players Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez. This marks a return to the club’s historical prominence as a key supplier of talent for the national team.
Notably absent from the roster is Tigres winger Diego Lainez, despite his strong recent form in Liga MX. Lainez has blossomed into one of the league’s top performers over the past year, but Aguirre has excluded him from the squad for the second consecutive camp, casting doubt on his World Cup prospects. Following the roster announcement, Lainez delivered a strong performance for Tigres in the Concacaf Champions Cup, posting a message on social media expressing his happiness with his club form, which prompted supportive comments from teammates questioning his exclusion from El Tri.
The Mexico national team roster for the March friendlies is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Raúl Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol)
Defenders: Jorge Sánchez (PAOK), Richard Ledezma (Chivas), César Montes (FC Lokomotiv), Israel Reyes (Club América), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), Everardo López (Toluca), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Jesús Angulo (Tigres)
Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Denzell Garcia (FC Juárez), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens), Obed Vargas (Atlético Madrid), Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Erick Sánchez (Club América), Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas)
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julián Quiñones (Al Qadsiah), Germán Berterame (Inter Miami), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham), Armando González (Chivas), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas)
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