MEXICO CITY — The 26-man roster for Mexico, announced by coach Javier Aguirre on Thursday, features the return of seasoned goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and the debut call-up of midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo. They are set to compete in friendly matches against Portugal and Belgium as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
The matches are scheduled to take place on March 28, when Mexico will host Portugal for the reopening of the Azteca stadium, followed by a clash against Belgium on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Ochoa, now 40 years old, has not been selected for national duty since the previous year’s Gold Cup, where he served as a backup to Luis Ángel Malagón. Malagón suffered an Achilles tendon rupture last week, ruling him out of the World Cup.
Ochoa is aiming for his sixth World Cup appearance, though he hasn’t started a match since a 2-0 defeat to Honduras in November 2014.
Fidalgo, who was born in Spain, acquired Mexican citizenship earlier this year. The 28-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in helping Club América secure three consecutive championships and has recently become a key player for Real Betis after transferring to the club last month.
Aguirre has also included 20-year-old midfielder Obed Vargas, who recently signed with Atlético Madrid. Vargas and Fidalgo will help fill the gaps left by injuries to Marcel Ruiz, who has a torn ACL, and Edson Álvarez, who underwent ankle surgery earlier this year.