Ochoa Returns, Fidalgo Debuts as Mexico Prepares for World Cup with Friendlies
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has named a 26-man squad for upcoming international friendlies against Portugal and Belgium, highlighted by the return of veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and the first call-up for midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo.1 The matches will serve as crucial preparation ahead of Mexico’s World Cup debut against South Africa.
Ochoa’s Return and Goalkeeping Situation
The 40-year-old Ochoa hasn’t featured for the national team since the 2023 Gold Cup, where he was a substitute.1 His return is largely due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained by Luis Malagón, who will miss the World Cup.1 While Raúl Rangel is currently favored to start in goal, Ochoa has a realistic chance of appearing in one of the friendlies and is poised to represent Mexico in his sixth World Cup – a feat matched only by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.1
Fidalgo Earns First Call-Up
Álvaro Fidalgo, who recently earned Mexican citizenship, has been included in the roster for the first time.1 The 28-year-old midfielder was instrumental in Club América’s three consecutive championships and has transitioned to Real Betis.1
Other Roster Highlights
Twenty-year-old midfielder Obed Vargas, who recently signed with Atlético Madrid, has also been called up.1 The squad features five players from Chivas, including Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez.1
Injury Concerns and Notable Omissions
Mexico is facing an injury crisis with key players Edson Álvarez, Santiago Giménez, Gilberto Mora, Marcel Ruiz, and Luis Malagón all unavailable.1 Notably, Diego Lainez has been left out of the squad for the second consecutive camp despite his strong form in Liga MX.2
Upcoming Matches
Mexico will host Portugal on March 28 at the reopening of Azteca Stadium and face Belgium on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.1
Full Mexico National Team Roster
- Goalkeepers: Raúl Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol)
- Defenders: Jorge Sánchez (PAOK), Richard Ledezma (Chivas), César Montes (FC Lokomotiv), Israel Reyes (Club América), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), Everardo López (Toluca), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Jesús Angulo (Tigres)
- Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Denzell Garcia (FC Juárez), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens), Obed Vargas (Atlético Madrid), Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Erick Sánchez (Club América), Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas)
- Forwards: Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julián Quiñones (Al Qadsiah), Germán Berterame (Inter Miami), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham), Armando González (Chivas), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas)
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