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Mexico national team midfielder Marcel Ruiz is reportedly looking to delay knee surgery on his torn ACL for as long as possible, hoping that non-surgical treatment will be enough to allow him to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
Ruiz's World Cup aspirations seemed all but over when it was revealed he sustained the dreaded knee injury while playing for Toluca in the Concacaf Champions Cup on March 11, just three months before Mexico's tournament opener against South Africa.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined since the incident, but reports indicate that hope remains for Ruiz, as the injury is not as severe as initially feared, and a recovery plan has been set in motion between the player and his club to give him a chance at making his World Cup debut this summer.
Marcel Ruiz's Plan to Play in 2026 World Cup
Reports indicate that Ruiz consulted three separate knee specialists, with the diagnosis revealing that the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee is only partially torn. Additionally, the knee remains stable, firm, and is not shifting out of position.
In coordination with Toluca, Ruiz has opted to pursue a strength and conditioning program aimed at building muscle around his right leg to better support the knee and prevent further aggravation of the injury.
Ruiz will follow this rehabilitation regimen for three weeks before undergoing another MRI to evaluate the condition of his injured knee. Based on those results, a decision will be made on whether surgery is inevitable or if the player can avoid the operating table and keep his World Cup dream alive.
Should the test results prove favorable, the plan is for Ruiz to return to on-field training and potentially even feature in Toluca's remaining matches in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 regular season.
The entire process is being closely monitored by Mexico's medical team and head coach Javier Aguirre, who also offered a notable comment regarding Ruiz's situation.
Javier Aguirre Will Wait Until The End For Marcel Ruiz
Ruiz had appeared in 17 straight matches for El Tri since last summer's Gold Cup before picking up his injury, and he was widely expected to be a starter for Mexico at the World Cup. He missed El Tri's March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal following the setback, yet coach Aguirre still refused to rule out the possibility of the midfielder making a remarkable comeback.
"At this point, I wouldn't dare to cross out any name [from the World Cup roster]," Aguirre said after the match against Belgium, via Azteca Deportes. "Because even Marcel — we have word that he's extremely motivated to be there [at the World Cup], and he's doing absolutely everything he can."
Aguirre had previously stated that he would not select any player who isn't fully healthy for El Tri's tournament squad. However, with Mexico currently dealing with a significant injury crisis, Aguirre also noted that he will hold out for his injured players "until the very last day."
Hope has been rekindled for Ruiz, and the goal is crystal clear. Nevertheless, the standout midfielder in Liga MX undeniably faces a steep challenge and a grueling race against time to be fit enough to represent El Tri at the 2026 World Cup.