Five Liga MX Stars Fighting for Their World Cup Dreams—Who Makes Mexico's 2026 Squad?

The Liga MX Clausura 2026 season kicks off in just a few days, presenting what could be the last opportunity for numerous players to demonstrate they deserve a spot on Mexico's 2026 World Cup squad.

The majority of Javier Aguirre's 26-player Mexico national team selection for next summer will consist of Liga MX talent. While most of El Tri's lineup appears already determined, several positions remain available that various borderline candidates are hoping to secure.

Mexico is scheduled to play three exhibition matches prior to the March international window using a squad composed entirely of Liga MX players. Outstanding displays during the early stages of Clausura 2026 will be crucial for athletes seeking extended consideration from Aguirre in forthcoming training camps, with complete attention directed toward the 2026 World Cup.

Below are five borderline candidates who might earn their way onto Mexico's 2026 World Cup squad through impressive showings in the approaching season.

5. Kevin Álvarez

The serious knee injury that Rodrigo Huescas sustained in October has created an opening at right back in Mexico's squad. Kevin Álvarez has experienced inconsistent form recently, but a strong campaign could help him claim that available position.

Álvarez represents a player with impressive highs but equally significant lows. His emergence as an attack-oriented right back at Pachuca secured him his first World Cup call-up for Qatar 2022, though his performances have been inconsistent since transferring to Club América afterward.

The natural ability exists, and possibly no other player could better match Huescas's characteristics and approach than Álvarez. Should he improve his defensive capabilities and rediscover his offensive form, the 26-year-old possesses a strong opportunity to earn his second World Cup selection in 2026.

4. Elías Montiel

Very few Liga MX players have demonstrated greater promise over the last two seasons than 20-year-old Pachuca midfielder Elías Montiel. His outstanding performance against Real Madrid in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup final drew compliments from then-coach Carlo Ancelotti, yet chances with El Tri have remained limited.

Aguirre has not demonstrated confidence in Montiel previously, and an injury-plagued latter half of 2025 prevented him from showcasing his abilities during El Tri's recent exhibition matches. Montiel has been connected to European transfers in recent periods, but all indications suggest he will remain at Pachuca for Clausura 2026.

When performing at his peak, the midfielder possesses the qualities to serve as a useful midfield option. He excels not only as a rhythm controller but also commands a complete passing repertoire—along with the awareness—to complement it.

While it may appear unlikely currently, if coach Esteban Solari entrusts Montiel with a central role at Pachuca this season, the promising talent has the skill level deserving of El Tri's World Cup selection.

3. Ramón Juárez

One could argue that no Mexican center back surpasses Club América's Ramón Juárez in aerial ability, a quality that Aguirre is recognized for highly valuing.

A severe injury essentially eliminated Jesús Orozco's World Cup aspirations, creating a center back opening in Mexico's World Cup roster. Juárez was frequently selected for El Tri's 2025 squads, though he failed to earn substantial playing time.

The primary obstacle for Juárez to address is his limited ball-playing ability. He excels when asserting himself in physical confrontations, and his excellent positional awareness enables him to make critical defensive plays.

Securing a consistent starting position in André Jardine's deep América defense will be vital, but he has demonstrated the ability to capitalize on his chances. Jesús Angulo seems to be Orozco's most logical successor given his left-footed preference, but the Tigres player has also faced considerable difficulties recently.

Should Juarez perform well in the upcoming months, his superior aerial prowess could swing the decision in his direction.

2. Ángel Sepúlveda

Ángel Sepulveda's remarkable first half of 2025 established him as a regular El Tri selection. However, injuries and a notable decline in performance with former team Cruz Azul during Apertura 2025 hurt his standing at a critical moment.

Currently, the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup top scorer has secured a new destination for 2026, returning for another term with Chivas. With Javier "Chicharito" Hernández departing the club, he has an opportunity to establish a meaningful role in Gabriel Milito's improving team.

Just half a year ago, the experienced player was performing at his highest level. Despite turning 35 in February, Sepúlveda has improved with age, preserving his excellent finishing ability while also developing into a valuable connector with fellow attackers in the attacking zone.

He must first regain his previous form, but having fully recovered from a hamstring problem, Sepúlveda will receive every opportunity to accomplish exactly that. If the striker thrives under Milito, then Chivas might contribute two forwards to El Tri's World Cup squad, with Sepúlveda joining Armando González and potentially challenging the position of the underperforming Santiago Giménez.

1. Álvaro Fidalgo

Finding a superior Liga MX player over the previous three seasons than Álvaro Fidalgo would be challenging. And at last, the Real Madrid academy product has allegedly expressed willingness to represent Mexico rather than Spain internationally.

Fidalgo will be eligible to submit his one-time nationality change with FIFA in March, and all indicators point toward him approving Aguirre's consideration for the World Cup. The Spanish-born midfielder served as the driving force behind a Club América squad that captured three straight Liga MX championships from 2023 to 2024.

Fidalgo embodies the classic Spanish midfielder—compensating for his lack of physical stature with perfect technical skills and exceptional football intelligence. At his optimal performance level, one could argue he would rank as the finest midfielder available to Aguirre next summer.

Anticipation regarding Fidalgo potentially wearing El Tri's green jersey has been building for considerable time. Now, what once seemed like an unrealistic hope appears closer to reality than ever. If the talented midfielder sustains the standard he has consistently displayed throughout the past five Liga MX campaigns, it's difficult to imagine Aguirre not seizing the opportunity to employ a player who could potentially be a game-changer at the World Cup.

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