Mexico Captain's World Cup 2026 Dreams in Jeopardy as Two Major Obstacles Emerge

Mexico's national team skipper Edson Álvarez has faced significant challenges during the 2025–26 campaign, but his circumstances have deteriorated further since the new year began, potentially putting his spot in El Tri's 2026 World Cup squad at risk due to injury concerns and limited playing opportunities at his club.

Álvarez lost his standing at West Ham United early in the campaign, prompting him to seek new opportunities and secure a loan move to Turkish Süper Lig powerhouse Fenerbahçe. Jose Mourinho was managing Fenerbahçe when Álvarez completed his move to Turkey, however, by the time the midfielder made his first appearance, the coach who advocated for his acquisition had already been dismissed.

The situation hasn't gotten better for the 28-year-old player since then. Álvarez initially found it difficult to establish consistency after quickly sustaining a hamstring problem and has been required to carefully manage his playing time throughout the season.

However, as 2026 commenced, Álvarez's difficulties have escalated to concerning levels, with two particular issues threatening to put his previously secure position in Mexico's 2026 World Cup squad in doubt.

Edson Alvarez Might Require Ankle Surgery

Edson Alvarez Might Require Ankle Surgery

Mexico's captain has been dealing with an ankle problem since early December that has limited his availability during the last two months. On two occasions, Álvarez has attempted to return to competitive action since suffering the joint injury, and both times he's been forced back to the treatment room after worsening the condition.

Following a gradual return to training at the beginning of February, the Mexico international has been absent from Fenerbahçe's matchday roster for their previous two fixtures. Before the team's 3–2 triumph over Trabzonspor during the weekend, head coach Domenico Tedesco disclosed that the club "suspects of an injury relapse."

Information emerging from Turkey isn't encouraging whatsoever, with various sources indicating Álvarez might be facing surgery to repair his damaged ankle. While there's no official confirmation that an operation will be necessary, it's becoming an increasingly likely scenario.

El Tri forward Santiago Gimenez experienced a comparable injury earlier this season and following conservative management, he underwent surgery in December and is anticipated to resume playing in early March.

That example provides little comfort for Álvarez. Should he require surgery with a similar three-month rehabilitation period, he would face an enormous challenge to be match-ready for the World Cup.

Javier Aguirre and the Mexico national team coaching staff will be hoping desperately that Álvarez can avoid any surgical intervention. However, even if he manages to recover from the injury without an operation, there's another separate issue that could further complicate Álvarez's circumstances.

Legendary Midfielder Threatens Edson Alvarez's Playing Time

Legendary Midfielder Threatens Edson Alvarez's Playing Time

As if Álvarez's injury concerns weren't challenging enough, he may also struggle to secure regular minutes once he returns to full fitness, considering Fenerbahçe recently finalized the signing of renowned French midfielder N'Golo Kanté.

Even prior to the ankle injury, Álvarez wasn't guaranteed a starting position. Now, he'll need to compete for playing time against arguably the finest defensive midfielder of the last ten years.

Ex-Premier League midfielders Fred and Mattéo Guendouzi are established starters in Fenerbahçe's 4-2-3-1 formation, with Marco Asensio frequently deployed in the attacking midfielder position. Kanté's addition only increases the competition in midfield, and even when fit, Álvarez might find himself excluded.

"Players must be healthy and playing regularly," Aguirre stated last month when questioned about what El Tri candidates must accomplish to earn consideration for the 2026 World Cup squad. Currently, Mexico's captain satisfies neither requirement.

Should Álvarez recover from his injury before the World Cup, it would be difficult to imagine him missing El Tri's roster. However, if his difficulties persist and he enters the tournament having barely featured since the year's beginning, his place in Mexico's starting eleven against South Africa in the tournament opener is anything but certain.

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Roberto Casillas is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering Liga MX, the Mexican National Team & Latin American players in Europe. He is a die hard Cruz Azul and Chelsea fan.