Great World Cup news for Mexico: The hero of the Apertura 2025 is back

Toluca had to wait until Matchday 10 of the Clausura 2026, but Sunday finally saw the return of Alexis Vega - one of the most recognizable faces not only for Los Diablos Rojos, but for Mexican soccer as a whole. A crucial moment for him to make his comeback, with the Liga MX regular‑season run-in ahead and a potential role with El Tri as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

In Toluca’s 3-1 win over Juárez, Vega checked in on the 80th-minute mark, replacing Sebastián Córdova - and came close to scoring his first goal of the tournament. Deep into stoppage time, the former Chivas standout thought he had scored Toluca’s third, but the play was waved off for offside. No matter: Paulinho would shortly afterwards, to cement the defending champions’ two‑goal cushion.

When had Vega last played for Toluca?

Vega hadn’t suited up for Toluca since the second leg of the Apertura 2025 final against Tigres, a game in which he was also brought on for the final 10 minutes. With that title decider going into extra time, his involvement ended up being far more substantial than expected. And a valuable one - he took two penalties in the marathon shootout that decided the title, including the decisive kick.

It’s also worth noting that the December 14 final marked Vega’s comeback after a long layoff caused by a muscle tear suffered in late October, during Toluca’s Matchday 15 draw against Pachuca. In essence, the 28-year-old has appeared in just three matches from October 26 to now - three games in 133 days.

Mexico return for Vega?

Looking ahead, Toluca will visit San Diego FC in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, then host Atlas, return home for the second leg of the Concachampions tie, and later travel to Pachuca before the upcoming FIFA international window. All signs point to Vega being in contention for a call‑up from Javier Aguirre for Mexico’s friendlies against Portugal and Belgium.

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