Club América has revealed that Mexico national team goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón has sustained an Achilles tear. This injury occurred during Tuesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup match against the Philadelphia Union. The non-contact injury necessitates surgery, ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup.
“Medical tests conducted on Luis Ángel Malagón confirm an Achilles tendon rupture,” the Liga MX club announced on Wednesday. “Our goalkeeper will require surgical intervention. His recovery timeline will be assessed based on his progress.”
Malagón fell to the ground in pain during the first half of the 1-0 victory over the Union, hurting his left foot without any contact. He was stretchered off the field and replaced in the 42nd minute by backup goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.
The Club América star had been a critical part of Javier Aguirre’s Mexico squads and was seen as a potential starting goalkeeper for the national team at the 2026 World Cup.
“I feel hurt, sad, and broken. Trying to comprehend this and asking, ‘Why?'” the 29-year-old keeper expressed on Instagram shortly after the injury.
“There are difficult moments in life to understand, especially when you’ve always been honest and sincere. Today, with a heavy heart, I want to express my gratitude to everyone and my teammates for their supportive messages and prayers,” Malagón continued.
With Malagón sidelined, Chivas goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel is now leading the race for Mexico’s starting position in the World Cup. Other options include Santos Laguna‘s Carlos Acevedo and 40-year-old veteran Guillermo Ochoa.
As for Club América, Cota is poised to take over as the starting goalkeeper for the Mexico City club. They will host Mazatlan in Liga MX action this Sunday and will face the Union again on March 18 for the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 series.