Mexico’s injury list is growing: Toluca star to miss 2026 World Cup

Toluca midfielder Marcel Ruiz has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) - an injury that appears certain to rule him out of contention for Mexico’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Ruiz sustained the knee damage during Toluca’s CONCACAF Champions Cup win over San Diego FC on Wednesday, limping out of the game in the first half. The incident immediately raised alarms within Los Diablos Rojos’ camp, and the severity of the injury was later confirmed.

How long will Ruiz be sidelined for?

In a statement released on Friday, Toluca revealed Ruiz’s full diagnosis following medical evaluations conducted by the club’s staff.

“Deportivo Toluca announces that our player Marcel Ruiz has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a medial meniscus injury in his right knee,” the club said.

Toluca added that Ruiz will undergo surgery in the coming days, a necessary procedure to repair the damage in his knee. Afterward, he will begin a rehabilitation process, the length of which will depend on his medical progress.

Recovery from an ACL tear typically takes between six months and a year.

América star also ruled out of World Cup

Ruiz was not the only Mexico international to sustain a serious injury during this week’s Champions Cup matches. In Tuesday’s victory over Philadelphia Union, Club América goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and will also require surgery.

Malagón’s estimated recovery time is roughly six months, a timeline that effectively removes him from the race for a spot in Mexico’s World Cup roster.

Injuries raise alarms for Mexico ahead of the World Cup

With this summer’s World Cup drawing closer, injuries have become a major concern for the Mexicans, as several of the co-hosts’ players have been affected by significant injury issues in recent months:

Luis Ángel Malagón: Club América

• Injury: Ruptured Achilles tendon
• Recovery time: Approximately 6 months

Edson Álvarez: Fenerbahce

• Injury: Ankle
• Recovery time: Not specified

Gilberto Mora: Club Tijuana

• Injury: Groin
• Recovery time: Not specified

Jesús Orozco Chiquete: Cruz Azul

• Injury: Dislocated ankle with ligament damage
• Recovery time: 4 to 6 months

César Huerta: Anderlecht

• Injury: Pelvic issue
• Recovery time: 2 months

Rodrigo Huescas: Copenhagen

• Injury: Torn ligament
• Recovery time: 8 months

Luis Chávez: Dynamo Moscow

• Injury: Torn ACL
• Recovery time: 8 months

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