The Mexican National Team is about to take a key step in its preparation for the 2026 World Cup, since on April 27, 2026 will be when the first call-up will be announced, an initial group that will mark the basis of the team that will seek to compete in the most important tournament in international soccer.
According to the Mexican Soccer Federation, this call-up list will have a very particular characteristic: it will be made up mainly of players from Liga MX, with the only confirmed exception of Guillermo Ochoa, who is currently playing in European soccer.
A limited and strategic list
Coach Javier Aguirre plans to call up between 14 and 16 players, in line with the sports planning for the World Cup.
This decision responds to an agreement reaffirmed at the Owners’ Assembly, where it was established that only players who are actually in the orbit to play in the World Cup will be called up.
This implies an important consequence:
The called-up players will not be able to play in the Liguilla with their respective clubs if they qualify.
This call for the 2026 World Cup is a clear commitment to prioritize the preparation of the Mexican National Team over the final phase of the local tournament.
Liga MX players in the spotlight
Among the names that sound strongly for this first call-up of the Mexican National Team for the 2026 World Cup are established players from Mexican soccer:
Goalkeepers
Raúl Rangel (Guadalajara)
Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol)
Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna)
Defenders
Israel Reyes (América)
Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
Ricardo Ledezma (Chivas)
Midfielders
Erik Lira (Cruz Azul)
Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul)
Marcel Ruiz (Toluca)
Forwards
Alexis Vega (Toluca)
Roberto Alvarado (Chivas)
This group will be part of the training camp that will begin on May 6 at the High Performance Center.
Tactical and physical work will begin there in preparation for the international commitments.
This call-up will have a very particular characteristic
QuéOnnda.com
Sparrings and extended group
In addition, the coaching staff plans to integrate additional players as sparring partners, mainly from teams that do not qualify for the Liguilla.
With them, the goal is to form a group of around 22 players, focused on strengthening training and game simulations.
Although these players will be less likely to attend the World Cup, their role will be key in the team’s preparation.
Especially in friendly matches such as the one scheduled against Ghana.
The final call-up list for the Mexican National Team, which will include Mexican players playing in Europe, must be submitted before June 1, 2026, the deadline established by FIFA.
By then, Javier Aguirre hopes to have a full squad for Mexico’s June 11 debut in the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament will be played at home along with the United States and Canada.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
