Coach Javier Aguirre Calls Up 26 Players for Crucial Preparation Matches
With the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada, in sight, the Mexican National Team continues its preparation with two high-level friendlies during the FIFA break in November. Coach Javier Aguirre confirmed the call-up of 26 players who will face Uruguay and Paraguay, both already qualified for the World Cup.
Dates and Venues of the Matches
The Tri will play two crucial matches that will help fine-tune their strategy for 2026:
- Mexico vs Uruguay
- Friday, November 15, 2025
- Estadio TSM Corona, Torreón, Coahuila
- Mexico vs Paraguay
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025
- Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas (MexTour)
Both matches will be tough tests for Aguirre’s team, aiming to solidify a strong foundation and refine tactical variations against world-class opponents.
Official Call-Up List of the National Team
Javier Aguirre summoned 26 footballers, blending European experience, key Liga MX players, and new faces striving to secure their spot in the squad for the World Cup.
- Goalkeepers: Luis Malagón (América), Raúl Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos)
- Defenders: Kevin Álvarez, Israel Reyes (América), César Montes (Lokomotiv Moscú), Edson Álvarez (Fenerbahçe), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), Jesús Orozco (Cruz Azul), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Mauricio Chávez (AZ Alkmaar)
- Midfielders: Fernando Ambriz (Monterrey), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Gael Mora (Tijuana), Emilio Sánchez (América), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Atenas), Omar Vargas (Seattle Sounders), Marcelo Ruiz (Toluca)
- Forwards: Alejandro Gutiérrez (América), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Diego Lainez (Tigres), José Ruvalcaba (Pumas), Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham), Germán Berterame (Monterrey), Armando González (Chivas)
A Crucial Stage in the World Cup Qualification Process
These matches are more than just friendlies; they’re an essential part of the journey to the World Cup on home soil. Aguirre seeks to strengthen the squad, adjust playing systems, and evaluate young players alongside established stars.
Moreover, Aguirre’s recent success supports this process. He was nominated for The Best FIFA Coach Award in 2025 after leading Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Nations League and the 2025 Gold Cup.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Javier Aguirre? Javier Aguirre is the current coach of the Mexican National Football Team.
- Why are these friendlies important? These matches are crucial for the Mexican team to fine-tune their strategy, solidify a strong foundation, and evaluate players for the 2026 World Cup.
- Who are Mexico’s opponents in these friendlies? Mexico will face Uruguay on November 15, 2025, and Paraguay on November 18, 2025.
- What recent success has Javier Aguirre achieved? Under Aguirre’s leadership, Mexico won the Concacaf Nations League and the 2025 Gold Cup, earning him a nomination for The Best FIFA Coach Award in 2025.
