Mexico City – Coach Javier Aguirre of the Mexico national team is choosing to concentrate on the players available for the upcoming warmup matches ahead of the World Cup, rather than focus on those who will be absent.
The team will be without 12 usual selections, including captain Edson Álvarez and five other key starters, as they gear up to face Portugal on Saturday, followed by a match against Belgium three days later.
The clash with Portugal will also mark the reopening of the legendary Azteca Stadium, which has been closed for renovations since May 2024 in preparation for hosting its third World Cup. The game against Belgium will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Notably, the absences include six players from the squad that clinched both the regional Nations League and the Gold Cup titles last year.
“It’s difficult, losing half the team that built a strong bond and with whom we achieved success, but it’s not an excuse,” Aguirre remarked in a press conference on Thursday. “Other talented Mexicans are ready to step up and make their mark.”
Among the injured players are AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez, midfielders Luis Chávez and César Huerta, as well as full-back Rodrigo Huescas, all competing in European leagues.
Aguirre noted, “It’s true that two or three of these 12 players are definitely out due to medical issues, but we’re hopeful about the rest. Yes, we will miss them, but we can’t solely rely on anyone.” He added, “For instance, if Juan is unavailable, Pedro will step in.”
Besides these players, goalkeeper Luis Malagón and midfielder Marcel Ruiz have also sustained injuries that will prevent them from competing in the World Cup, where Mexico will begin their campaign on June 11 against South Africa.
Malagón’s injury has allowed the experienced 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to return to the squad for the first time since the Gold Cup, where he remained a substitute. Ochoa aims to make his sixth World Cup appearance.
“’Memo’ is an active competition and a crucial player for us, both on and off the pitch,” said Aguirre. “He’s a role model in Mexican soccer, and I look forward to seeing him in action.”