The future of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano is going through one of its most delicate moments. The Mexican striker is no longer part of the sports plans of San Diego FC, the MLS club he joined as a Franchise Player, and is currently without a team, just a few months before the 2026 World Cup.
The decision was confirmed by Tyler Heaps, the club’s sporting director, during a press conference in which the team explained that, after an internal evaluation, it considered it necessary to take another sporting direction. Although the institution publicly thanked the player for his contributions, the next destination was not specified.
A complicated outlook for the World Cup
The situation generates uncertainty around the Mexican National Team, which will co-host the 2026 World Cup.
Chucky Lozano, by trajectory and international experience, is still an eligible player.
But arriving without competitive continuity could seriously affect his chances of a call-up.
In addition to the sporting aspect, the striker needs to regain prominence and regularity, something that is not guaranteed today.
For a player who has competed in European leagues and has been a key player for El Tri in previous cycles, time is beginning to play against him.
Salary, a key obstacle
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One of the factors complicating his immediate future is the high salary he was receiving in MLS.
According to official MLS Players Association data, Chucky Lozano was among the league’s highest paid players in 2026.
With annual revenues that far exceed the championship average.
This scenario reduces the number of clubs capable of taking on his contract, both inside and outside MLS.
This makes it necessary to rethink options, either through a salary renegotiation or a specific sports project.
The situation creates uncertainty around the Mexican national team
QuéOnnda.com
Internal tensions marked his departure
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During the season, Chucky Lozano’s name was surrounded by controversy.
In October, his absence from a call-up was attributed to an internal incident in the dressing room, according to media reports.
Subsequently, the player was active again after apologizing and even participated in the Playoffs, where San Diego FC was eliminated.
Even so, the club opted to close the cycle, prioritizing collective balance and style of play.
“He’s a great player, but the project requires total commitment on and off the ball,” Heaps explained.
Months away from the 2026 World Cup, Chucky Lozano faces one of the biggest challenges of his career.
Without a club, with a high salary and with the clock ticking, his next move will be decisive not only for his professional future, but also to keep alive his option to represent Mexico at home.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
