Mexico's Rising Stars Shine Bright: Ranking the Four Standout Players Leading the Charge to 2026 World Cup Glory

As the World Cup's inaugural match approaches in under four months, several Mexican players showcased their abilities this past week, with four standout performers timing their peak form perfectly.

Mexico is set to face Iceland in their third international exhibition match of 2026 within days, as Javier Aguirre assembles a squad composed entirely of Liga MX players, several of whom delivered impressive weekend performances.

Yet for the first time this year, overseas-based players command this ranking. During a relatively subdued weekend for Mexican stars in Liga MX, El Tri representatives competing abroad rose to the occasion, particularly two forwards who have enjoyed remarkable goal-scoring runs to start the year.

Here's Sports Illustrated's assessment of the top four displays from the past week by Mexico World Cup candidates, as the tournament draws increasingly near.

4. Mateo Chávez (AZ Alkmaar)

Young Mateo Chávez needed time to settle after his move to AZ Alkmaar, but the left-back has steadily earned more playing time throughout the campaign, and on Sunday, he registered his second European goal contribution.

Chávez proved instrumental in securing his team's triumph over Sparta Rotterdam. The Chivas youth product set up Sven Mijnans's opening goal with an expertly delivered weak-foot delivery that split the defense and found his advancing teammate.

Defensive vulnerabilities have long been viewed as the primary concern in the 21-year-old's development, but he has made significant strides in this area since his European move. On Sunday, he recorded double-digit defensive actions, completed three recoveries and executed six tackles while avoiding any fouls.

The promising young fullback may still be developing his complete skill set, but he appears destined for World Cup selection, likely serving as Jesús Gallardo's understudy.

3. Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul)

Cruz Azul ended Chivas' flawless Clausura 2026 campaign in the week's marquee Liga MX encounter, with Carlos Rodríguez, the much-scrutinized Mexico international, netting the decisive goal.

Rodríguez has evolved over the past year into one of Liga MX's premier midfield talents. Against Chivas, he again orchestrated Cruz Azul's impressive midfield unit. Not satisfied with his usual playmaking duties, the compact midfielder elevated above others, heading home a corner kick in the 85th minute to secure La Máquina's victory.

Beyond his game-winning strike, Rodriguez continues displaying intelligence and game awareness rare among Mexican players. Cruz Azul's attacking rhythm flows through the 29-year-old, who stood among the match's top performers against Mexican soccer's finest team this year.

Rodríguez's struggle to replicate his club success with the national team remains his career's biggest disappointment. He may face an uphill battle to alter his international reputation, but based purely on current form, excluding him from Mexico's 2026 World Cup squad would be difficult to defend.

2. Julián Quiñones (Al Qadsiah)

Prominent players have flocked to the Saudi Pro League in recent years. Nevertheless, finding anyone in the competition performing better than Mexico's Julián Quiñones would prove challenging.

Quiñones netted his second treble of 2026 during Al Qadsiah's 4–2 triumph over Al Akhdoud. The six-time Liga MX champion maintained his lethal scoring streak with three precise finishes—regardless of their difficulty level.

No player has scored more non-penalty goals in the Saudi Pro League this season than Quiñones's 20, while his 21 total strikes sit just behind Ivan Tony's 23 in the Golden Boot standings, currently one goal ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in third place.

No Mexican player has found the net more than Quiñones's 14 goals since 2026 began. Arguments against giving Quiñones another El Tri opportunity—along with our next list member—are becoming increasingly difficult to justify. The Colombian-born Mexican international has exceeded expectations to warrant inclusion in future Mexico squads; now Aguirre must respond accordingly.

1. Raúl Jiménez (Fulham)

Raúl Jiménez with the best penalty conversion rate in Premier League history. pic.twitter.com/Tgax49dRmm

Raúl Jiménez keeps producing results in the world's most demanding league, this time netting twice to lead Fulham to a 3–1 triumph over Sunderland on Sunday.

The experienced forward powered a header into the lower corner for the opener before adding to his record as the Premier League's most reliable penalty converter with an elegant spot-kick finish, completing his double and securing three points for the Cottagers.

It was classic Jiménez at the Stadium of Light. While more prolific strikers may exist across English football, Jiménez has developed into one of the league's most well-rounded center forwards, a player whose impact extends beyond mere numbers—though he approaches another double-digit goal campaign.

Aguirre recently admitted he would prefer to preserve Jiménez until the World Cup begins—demonstrating how crucial he is for El Tri's summer ambitions.

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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.