Fernando Beltrán sets his sights on the 2026 World Cup

One of Chivas’ most outstanding players in recent years has been midfielder Fernando Beltrán, who has been rewarded for his good form by being called up to the Mexican national team . The 24-year-old, nicknamed ‘Nene’, was in the running for a place on El Tri’s Qatar 2022 World Cup roster but was ultimately left off the final list by Gerardo Martino. That rejection, however, has only strengthened his motivation to make it to the next tournament.

Beltrán, who came through the youth academy at Guadalajara, has spoken of being fully focused on playing at the next World Cup, which will be played on home territory and claimed that he didn’t feel any sadness after not being taken to Qatar.

Beltrán: Getting back to my best at Chivas was my main target

“I was really calm about it. Yes, it was my dream, but it wasn’t the be-all and end-all. My main target was to get game time at Chivas again and to get back to my best. I wanted to feel good with my club, because I felt I owed them. In that sense, things have improved, but I want more. I’m aiming for the next World Cup,” Beltrán said in an interview with Diario Récord.

For now, ‘Nene’ hopes to be involved in the 2024 Copa America with the Mexican national team. “I hope so, the competition is different. It’s a much higher level, you face players who are playing for elite teams. That really helps you to improve, you look for ways to compete with them,” he added.

If pre-season is anything to go by, Beltrán will be a key player in midfield for Chivas coach Veljko Paunovic when the 2023 Clausura gets underway at the weekend. Guadalajara will kick off the tournament with an away game against Monterrey at BBVA Stadium on Saturday, 7 January (kick-off at 10:10pm ET, 7:10pm PT).