Javier Aguirre names 2026 World Cup roster: these are the 26 players representing host nation Mexico
After a final tune-up win over Australia, Mexico’s head coach settles on the 26 players who will carry the nation’s hopes into a home World Cup.
After months of anticipation, Javier Aguirre has unveiled the 26 players who will represent Mexico at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With the biggest tournament in international soccer now just days away, the veteran coach has finalized the roster he believes can challenge for the sport’s ultimate prize.
Following Mexico’s 1-0 victory over Australia on Sunday night, secured by a goal from Johan Vásquez, many of the lingering questions surrounding Aguirre’s squad appear to have been answered. The win gave the coach one final opportunity to evaluate his options before entrusting this group with the country’s World Cup ambitions.
Before opening the tournament, Mexico will play a farewell game against Serbia on June 4 at Nemesio Díez Stadium. The venue enters the occasion on a celebratory note after Toluca’s Concacaf Champions Cup triumph just one day earlier.
Mexico’s 2026 World Cup squad
Goalkeepers
- Raúl “Tala” Rangel (Chivas)
- Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna)
- Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)
Defenders
- Israel Reyes (América)
- Jorge Sánchez (Cruz Azul)
- César Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
- Edson Álvarez (West Ham United, England)
- Johan Vásquez (Genoa, Italy)
- Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
- Mateo Chávez (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands)
Midfielders
- Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis, Spain)
- Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas)
- Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens, Greece)
- Erik Lira (Cruz Azul)
- Luis Romo (Chivas)
- Obed Vargas (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
- Gilberto Mora (Tijuana)
- Luis Chávez (Dynamo Moscow, Russia)
Forwards
- Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado (Chivas)
- César “Chino” Huerta (Anderlecht, Belgium)
- Guillermo “Memote” Martínez (Pumas)
- Armando “Hormiga” González (Chivas)
- Santiago Giménez (AC Milan, Italy)
- Raúl Jiménez (Fulham, England)
- Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah, Saudi Arabia)
- Alexis Vega (Toluca)
Who’s missing for Mexico World Cup?
As Aguirre has repeatedly stated throughout the process, not every decision would be popular.
Marcel Ruiz was among the biggest surprises. Despite helping Toluca win the Concacaf Champions Cup, his decision not to undergo surgery after suffering a partial ligament tear ultimately worked against him. Concerns over his lack of match fitness following the injury reportedly influenced the coaching staff’s decision.
Carlos “Charly” Rodríguez also narrowly missed out. The Cruz Azul midfielder played a key role in the club’s Clausura 2026 title run, but his strong domestic form was not enough to earn a place in Aguirre’s final roster.
Germán Berterame paid the price for a difficult start to life in MLS. After joining Inter Miami, the naturalized Mexican striker struggled to find his best form, and those early performances appear to have cost him a ticket to the World Cup.
Diego Lainez enjoyed a productive season with Tigres, but he had largely fallen out of Aguirre’s plans in recent months and was no longer a regular part of the national team setup.
Mexico’s World Cup schedule
Mexico’s final preparation game comes against Serbia on June 4 at Nemesio Díez Stadium. One week later, on June 11, El Tri will kick off the World Cup against South Africa at Estadio Azteca.
The group stage continues on June 18 against South Korea before Mexico closes the opening round on June 24 against Czechia. With the tournament taking place largely on home soil, expectations will be higher than ever as Mexico seeks its deepest World Cup run in history.
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