World Cup 2026

Mexico’s most talked‑about omissions in World Cup history

With Ruiz, Rodríguez and Lainez excluded, we revisit others who, like them, were left off the roster for the world's most important tournament.

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Carlos Zúñiga

Ciudad de México Update: Jun 3rd, 2026 17:07 EDT

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A fresh wave of controversy has hit Mexico’s national team after Javier Aguirre revealed his squad for the World Cup kicking off next week. The list, announced last Sunday, immediately drew backlash for the absence of several high‑profile players — Charly Rodríguez, Marcel Ruiz, Germán Berterame and Diego Lainez — all of whom now join the long, painful history of Mexico’s most debated World Cup snubs.

The most talked‑about Mexican omissions in World Cup history

Below is a look at the latest absences for Mexico–United States–Canada 2026, followed by some of the most infamous omissions from past tournaments.

Carlos Rodríguez

Liga champion with Cruz Azul and a regular call‑up until the last FIFA window. Something changed in Aguirre’s evaluation, and one of his most consistent midfielders suddenly fell out of the picture.

Marcel Ruiz

Fresh off winning the Concacaf Champions Cup, Ruiz was another regular whose knee injury — less serious than initially feared — still led Aguirre to avoid taking risks.

Germán Berterame

Second‑leading scorer with Inter Miami. His move to MLS may have hurt him, as Aguirre leaned heavily toward Liga MX players, opening the door for Guillermo Martínez to take his spot.

Diego Lainez

After multiple strong seasons as one of Mexico’s most dynamic creators, his omission surprised many — especially given the lack of depth in his position.

All four played in Mexico’s first match of 2026, a friendly against Bolivia.

Historic World Cup snubs that still sting

Qatar 2022

Santiago Giménez

One of the most criticized decisions in recent memory. Then‑coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino argued that Giménez “scored a lot but played few minutes.” Mexico went on to score just two goals in three games — both from set pieces.

Santiago Giménez of Mexico during the Panama vs Mexico match (Mexican National Team), Third Place match of the CONCACAF Nations League Final Four 2022–2023, at Allegiant Stadium, June 18, 2023. <br><br> Santiago Giménez of Mexico during the Panama vs Mexico match (Mexican National Team), Third Place match of the CONCACAF Nations League Final Four 2022–2023, at Allegiant Stadium, June 18, 2023.Cristian de Marchena

Russia 2018

Rodolfo Pizarro

Despite winning Liga MX, Copa MX and the Concachampions with Chivas, Juan Carlos Osorio left him out, sparking debate among fans and analysts.

Action photo from the Mexican National Team match representing Mexico at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States, at the High Performance Center. Action photo from the Mexican National Team training representing Mexico at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States, at the High Performance Center, pictured: Rodolfo Pizarro 14/06/2017/MEXSPORT/Osvaldo Aguilar.OSVALDO AGUILAR

Brazil 2014

Moisés Muñoz

The “miracle goalkeeper” seemed destined for the World Cup after starring in two finals in 2013. His close relationship with Miguel Herrera made his omission even more surprising, as Herrera chose Ochoa, Corona and Talavera instead.

Carlos Vela

Perhaps the most famous self‑exclusion. Vela, dazzling at Real Sociedad, chose not to represent Mexico at that World Cup.

Action photo during Mexican National Team training ahead of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, pictured: Moisés Muñoz and Carlos Vela Action photo during Mexican National Team training ahead of the start of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, pictured: Moisés Muñoz and Carlos Vela 16/06/2015/MEXSPORT/Omar Martinez.OMAR MARTINEZ

South Africa 2010

Jonathan dos Santos

Already established at FC Barcelona, he was cut by Aguirre after a friendly vs. Gambia. His emotional reaction — and the fact that his brother Giovani had to be convinced to stay — became global headlines.

FOOTBALL/WORLD CUP FACES FRIENDLY MEXICO VS GAMBIA Photo of Jonathan dos Santos of the Mexican national football team, during the friendly match against Gambia./Photo of Jonathan dos Santos of the Mexican national team, during the friendly match against Gambia. 30 May 2010 MEXSPORT/DAVID LEAHDAVID LEAH

Germany 2006

Cuauhtémoc Blanco

A champion with his beloved América just a year earlier, Blanco was left out by Ricardo La Volpe due to personality clashes and philosophical differences.

MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM World Cup 2006 DIGITAL IMAGE MEXSPORT January 25, 2006: Portrait photo of Cuauhtémoc Blanco of the Mexican national team during the friendly against Norway at Monster Park in San Francisco, California. Mexico won 2-1./Action photo of Cuauhtémoc Blanco of the Mexican national team during the friendly against Norway at Monster Park in San Francisco, California. Mexico won 2-1. MEXSPORT/VICTOR STRAFFONVICTOR STRAFFON

Korea–Japan 2002

Pavel Pardo

In top form with Club América, but Aguirre felt he didn’t fit his tactical system.

José Antonio Noriega

A champion and key figure with Morelia, yet overlooked by Aguirre despite his excellent form.

Pavel Pardo of Mexico during the Group B match between Chile and Mexico (Mexican National Team) as part of the 1999 Copa América in Paraguay, at Estadio Antonio Oddone Sarubbi, June 30, 1999, in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.David Leah

France 1998

Carlos Hermosillo

Cruz Azul’s star striker was left out by Manuel Lapuente amid internal tensions, with Jaime Ordiales taking his place.

Portrait of Carlos Hermosillo of Mexico (Mexican National Team) as part of the 1997 Copa América in Bolivia, June 5, 1997, in Mexico.David Leah

United States 1994

Miguel Herrera:

Despite being a regular option, repeated disciplinary incidents — including an altercation with Honduras’ Dolmo Flores and a confrontation with a fan in León — led Miguel Mejía Barón to drop him.

Portrait of Miguel Herrera, player of the Mexican National Team, at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA, in Mexico City, Mexico.David Leah

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