Aguirre admits Europe moves put Obed Vargas and Fidalgo on Mexico’s World Cup radar

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup keeps ticking, and Mexico — as one of the tournament’s hosts — is gearing up to make history under Javier Aguirre.

The 67‑year‑old coach still has time and several tune‑up matches ahead of him before finalizing his roster, and in a recent interview with Jorge “El Burro” Van Rankin on Estado Burresco, Aguirre highlighted one factor he considers crucial: where his potential call‑ups are playing.

That led him to discuss two players who, just one World Cup cycle ago, weren’t even on the radar: Obed Vargas and Álvaro Fidalgo. According to Aguirre, neither was a serious candidate a few months back — but their recent moves to LaLiga in Spain have completely changed the picture.

“We just lost two. Obed Vargas, I was sure he wasn’t going — born in Alaska, played in Seattle, super young. And Fidalgo, from América. But when you go from América or Seattle to the Spanish league, I automatically have to put the spotlight on these guys. I have to bring them in.”

Javier Aguirre

Obed Vargas already has Aguirre’s attention

Vargas has already had a taste of the senior national team. He logged minutes against Panama in a friendly on January 22 and previously appeared against Uruguay in November. His rapid rise — from MLS prospect to LaLiga midfielder — has forced Aguirre to reevaluate him as a legitimate World Cup option.

Fidalgo now eligible — and on the clock

Fidalgo, meanwhile, just received FIFA approval this month to switch federations. He won’t be eligible for an official call‑up until March, but that timing is significant. Mexico’s upcoming FIFA window includes heavyweight opponents like Portugal and Belgium — a proving ground Aguirre considers the most important call‑up before the final roster is set.

Because of the level of competition, Aguirre expects that most of the players called for that March window will form the core of Mexico’s final World Cup squad. After that, the national team still has matches lined up against Ghana, Australia, and Serbia before the final camp begins ahead of June 11.

Aguirre’s message is clear: the door is open, but the window is closing fast — and playing in Europe can change everything.

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