With less than four months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Mexican National Team faces a problem that seriously worries the coaching staff headed by Javier Aguirre: a long list of injured players that complicates the planning of the final squad.
The process towards the World Cup to be organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada is at a decisive stage. However, instead of consolidating a solid base, El Tri has had to deal with multiple physical problems of key players, some of them regular starters in “Vasco’s” scheme.
The injury that shook El Tri
Luis Ángel Malagón is one of the most alarming injured players in the Mexican National Team.
The goalkeeper suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during a Concacaf Champions Cup match with Club América.
This type of injury usually requires six to eight months of recovery, so the goalkeeper is virtually ruled out for the 2026 World Cup.
Malagón had gained ground in the fight for a starting spot in the Mexican National Team and was considered one of the main options in goal.
His absence once again opens the debate on who will defend the goal in the tournament, with names such as Raúl “Tala” Rangel, Carlos Acevedo or even the veteran Guillermo Ochoa as possible alternatives.
Players of concern to the coaching staff
The Mexican National Team’s injury list includes players who have been an important part of Aguirre’s process.
Or who aspired to a place in the final call.
Among the most prominent cases are:
Rodrigo Huescas, FC Copenhagen fullback, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and has been out of action for several months.
Luis Chávez, Dinamo Moscow midfielder, who is also recovering from a torn ligament that kept him out of the field for more than half a year.
Jesús Orozco “Chiquete”, a central defender who suffered a major ankle injury and is still working to return to competition.
César “Chino” Huerta, who underwent surgery for pubalgia problems and continues his recovery.
Gilberto Mora, a young talent suffering from physical discomfort related to pubalgia.
These names are joined by other players who have also had physical problems in recent months.
Edson Álvarez, Alexis Vega, Luis Romo and Santiago Giménez, some of whom are already recovering or resuming training with their clubs.
The planning of the final roster selections becomes more complicated
QuéOnnda.com
A huge challenge for Javier Aguirre
The main challenge for the Mexican National Team’s coaching staff will be to recover as many injured players as possible before the summer of 2026.
Injuries have affected virtually every line of the team: goalkeeping, defense, midfield and attack.
This scenario forces Javier Aguirre and his staff to analyze new alternatives, observe young players and keep the competition for places on the final World Cup roster open.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
