Mexico Shocks Soccer World by Calling Up Two Former USMNT Stars for World Cup Year Debut

Javier Aguirre has revealed Mexico's inaugural 27-player squad for 2026 as World Cup planning gets underway, heavily featuring Liga MX powerhouse Chivas who contributed eight players to the selection.

Under Gabriel Milito's guidance, Chivas has secured victory in nine of their last 12 Liga MX matches, showcasing an appealing style of play with a roster composed entirely of Mexican players. With Aguirre unable to select Europe-based players for this initial camp, he has assembled a squad featuring Liga MX's finest talents.

However, two Chivas players stood out as unexpected inclusions in the squad, considering both have previously represented the U.S. men's national team: Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez.

Both athletes seem ready to commit to Mexico, though according to ESPN, they are waiting for feedback on correspondence Mexico's football federation submitted to U.S. Soccer, along with FIFA authorization to potentially represent El Tri in the 2026 World Cup.

Club América, Cruz Azul and defending titleholders Toluca will each contribute three players to the squad, representing the second-highest contribution from any club. Additionally, promising Tijuana midfielder Gilberto Mora seeks to advance his development with El Tri, alongside teammates Iker Fimbres and Obed Várgas—the sole non-Liga MX representative—forming the dynamic midfield trio from the 2025 U–20 World Cup.

In summary, this unified roster has the potential to break El Tri's six-match winless run that carried into the new year. Mexico's established squad foundation remains unchanged, enhanced by promising young prospects eager to demonstrate their worth to Aguirre while competing for remaining positions in the 2026 World Cup team.

Mexico National Team January 2026 Friendlies

Mexico National Team January 2026 Friendlies

Mexico aims to secure its first victory since the 2025 Gold Cup final, though they must accomplish this away from home facing anticipated unwelcoming audiences.

El Tri will initially face Panama on Jan. 22 at Estadio Rommel Fernández, then journey to the challenging high altitude of Estadio Olímpico in Santa Cruz, Bolivia on Jan. 25, confronting a team preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Full Mexico National Team Roster for January 2026

Full Mexico National Team Roster for January 2026

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards