Liga MX

Carlos Rotondi urges Mexico to call up overlooked Cruz Azul teammate before World Cup 2026

Rotondi believes his “excellent teammate” with La Máquina deserves a call from Javier Aguirre before much longer.

Jose Hernandez
Digital sports journalist
Scottish sports journalist and content creator. After running his own soccer-related projects, in 2022 he joined Diario AS, where he mainly reports on the biggest news from around Europe’s leading soccer clubs, Liga MX and MLS, and covers live games in a not-too-serious tone. Likes to mix things up by dipping into the world of American sports.
Update:

Cruz Azul midfielder Carlos Rotondi has called on Mexico national team coach Javier Aguirre to add teammate Omar Campos to his roster ahead of World Cup 2026.

Campos has impressed in La Máquina’s rise to the top of the Clausura 2026 standings, starting four of the last six games, five of which have ended in victories. Although nominally a left-back, the 23-year-old can also play at right-back or as a wing-back on either flank and has regularly featured on the right for Cruz Azul following Jorge Sánchez’s departure to a Greek team last month.

High praise for Campos from Rotondi

Speaking to TUDN, Rotondi had glowing words for his young teammate, who he expects to become a national team starter before long.

“Omar is a really important player who has some really impressive qualities,” said the Argentine. “I think he’ll end up playing regularly for the Mexico national team.

“I think highly of him, he’s an excellent teammate. Even when he hasn’t been in the starting lineup, he’s trained well, he’s always wanted the best for the team when others have played instead.

“I like Omar a lot. I’m convinced he’d be a really good option for the Mexico national team. I hope it happens as soon as possible.”

Campos waiting for his chance

Campos has made one appearance for El Tri, making his senior debut in a friendly against Colombia in December 2023 at just 21 years old. He hasn’t played for his country since, with Sánchez, Kevin Álvarez, Israel Reyes, Jesús Gallardo, Gerardo Arteaga, and Mateo Chávez filling the fullback positions in recent games.

Mexico are next in action against Portugal on March 28 and host Belgium three days later on March 31. Could those friendlies give Aguirre an opportunity to try Campos out? Rotondi certainly thinks so.

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