MEXICO
Pumas, the only one of the big four not included in Mexico squad
América, Cruz Azul and Chivas have representatives in the first call-up of Diego Cocca for El Tri ahead of Suriname and Jamaica games.
The Mexican national team’s new squad comprises 34 players, marking the beginning of Diego Cocca’s tenure as manager, taking over after a disappointing Qatar World Cup 2022. Among the names, three of Mexican soccer’s “big four” are present: América, Cruz Azul and Chivas. The only team not represented is Pumas.
Out of the four teams mentioned, América and Chivas have the most player call-ups, each with three. Las Águilas have Israel Reyes, Néstor Araujo, and Henry Martin, the current top scorer in Liga MX with 10 goals. El Rebaño Sagrado fans will be keeping a close eye on Gilberto Sepúlveda, Fernando Beltrán, and Roberto Alvarado. Meanwhile, La Máquina, to stick with the nicknames, only contributes two midfielders: Carlos Rodríguez and Uriel Antuna.
Cocca’s squad list is largely a continuation of the one presented by Gerardo Martino for the Qatar 2022 competition, with only six specific absences. Like the current call-up, the World Cup list also lacked a representative from feline team. The last auriazul player to play for Tricolor was Alfredo Talavera, who did so during the United States tour in May-June of the previous year before transferring to Juárez in the summer of 2022.
Mexico is scheduled to face Suriname and Jamaica in the second round of League A in the Concacaf Nations League 2022/23 on March 23 and 26. The first match will be held in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, which will mark Diego Cocca’s debut as head coach of El Tri. The match against the Reggae Boyz will take place at the Azteca Stadium, marking the first time the Argentine coach will appear in front of his home audience.
Exciting times ahead?