Hirving Lozano's World Cup Dreams Crumble as Critics Unleash Brutal Attack During San Diego Banishment
Hirving "Chucky" Lozano must secure a new team after losing favor with San Diego FC, though his sibling and professional footballer Bryan Lozano suggests many prospective clubs "genuinely don't desire him" with the 2026 World Cup approaching rapidly.
San Diego FC selected Lozano as their inaugural marquee acquisition and Designated Player before the franchise's first Major League Soccer season. However, following just one campaign, Lozano's rapport with head coach Mikey Varas and the organization's leadership deteriorated significantly, leading the club to declare he was no longer included in their competitive strategy for 2026.
Lozano's behavioral challenges arrive at an unfortunate moment, considering he had recently regained regular status with Mexico's national squad after more than a year's absence from El Tri. By late 2025, his position in Javier Aguirre's World Cup squad seemed secure. However, his tournament participation now faces serious uncertainty.
Should "Chucky" wish to compete in his third World Cup, he must secure a new destination to obtain regular playing time before the competition, yet according to his sibling, prospects appear dim for El Tri's 2018 World Cup standout.
Hirving Lozano's Brother Highlights Chucky's Disciplinary Issues
Hirving Lozano's Brother Emphasizes Chucky's Behavioral Concerns
Behavioral concerns have become associated with El Chucky in recent seasons. During a conversation with ESPN, his sibling provided perspective on the persistent disciplinary challenges and their ramifications.
"At Napoli, he experienced conflicts with [Gennaro] Gatusso and his coaching staff," Bryan Lozano explained. "Previously, he encountered similar issues at PSV Eindhoven. He displays disrespectful and conceited behavior that achieves nothing positive. This attitude has influenced why numerous clubs genuinely avoid him.
"Despite his [substantial wages] at San Diego, I believe that serves as a justification [for potential clubs], since it's not worthwhile having such a player, understanding the importance of maintaining squad harmony. Therefore, no team or very few will chance acquiring him, as they ultimately risk experiencing comparable situations [with Lozano at their organization]."
San Diego's choice to remove Lozano from their 2026 objectives became common knowledge early this year. The January transfer period concluded without Lozano securing a new destination, placing him in a vulnerable situation.
What Are Hirving Lozano's Current Options For World Cup Push
What Possibilities Does Hirving Lozano Have For His World Cup Ambitions
January speculation indicated that Lozano was presented to Liga MX giants Monterrey and Cruz Azul to strengthen their squads for Clausura 2026. Ultimately, neither organization completed the transfer.
Unlike most global leagues, the MLS transfer period stays active until Mar. 26. A lateral transfer within the competition could represent Lozano's most viable exit strategy, though no documented interest has emerged regarding the 30-year-old winger.
Any transfer beyond MLS would require San Diego and Lozano reaching mutual terms on terminating his existing agreement, which runs through 2028.
Nevertheless, sources indicate Lozano would accept remaining in San Diego while rebuilding his connection with the franchise. Currently, the Southern California organization maintains its position regarding separation from the Mexican player.
With limited alternatives available, Lozano must hope San Diego reconsiders their position in upcoming weeks, or he may remain inactive until the summer transfer window opens after the World Cup.
Having appeared in five of Mexico's final six matches in 2025, Lozano requires a swift resolution to his uncertain circumstances, or his previously favorable chances of representing El Tri in their home World Cup will vanish months before competition begins.