Javier Aguirre finally drops his first World Cup roster — with a major surprise omission
The Mexican Football Federation officially announced the first selection of Liga MX players who will be part of the squad competing at the World Cup.
Better late than never. Javier Aguirre has officially taken his first real step toward the 2026 World Cup.
After Monday’s chaotic delay, the Mexican national team coach finally released his call‑up list for Liga MX–based players on Tuesday, April 28. The biggest shock: Carlos Rodríguez didn’t make the cut, a clear sign that he didn’t convince “El Vasco.”
Liga MX players locked in for the final World Cup roster
Any player on this list will have to leave his club immediately if his team reaches the Liguilla. The trade‑off: their spot in the final 26‑man World Cup roster — to be announced June 1 — is guaranteed. That June announcement will also include the Europe‑based players.
Notable absences include Carlos Rodríguez and Marcel Ruíz. Rodríguez was left out purely for technical reasons, while Ruíz is sidelined by injury. On the flip side, the surprise inclusion is Guillermo Martínez, who forced his way into the squad and is now World Cup–bound.
The team hit hardest by the call‑ups is Chivas, losing five players ahead of the Clausura 2026 Liguilla.
Mexico 2026 World Cup squad list
- Raúl Rangel (Chivas)
- Carlos Acevedo (Santos)
- Oscar Garcia (Leon)
- Luis Rey (Puebla)
- Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
- Eduardo Águila (Atlético San Luis)
- Jesús Gómez (Xolos)
- Denzell García (FC Juárez)
- Israel Reyes (América)
- Luis Romo (Chivas)
- Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas)
- Gilberto Mora (Tijuana)
- Erik Lira (Cruz Azul)
- Iker Fimbres (Monterrey)
- Jairo Torres (FC Juárez)
- Kevin Casteñada (Xolos)
- Roberto Alvarado (Chivas)
- Armando González (Chivas)
- Alexis Vega (Toluca)
- Guillermo Martínez (Pumas)
When does Mexico’s World Cup camp begin?
Players will have this week off before reporting to the High‑Performance Center on Monday, May 6, where Aguirre will begin full preparations for the World Cup kicking off June 11.
As for the Europe‑based players, they’ll join camp as soon as their respective club seasons end and they’re officially released.
Aguirre also summoned a group of additional players to serve as sparring partners — all from Liga MX teams that missed the Liguilla.
They’ll help fill out training sessions and will be available for the friendly against Ghana on May 22 in Puebla. These players understand their chances of making the World Cup roster are extremely slim.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.