Mexico has experienced another significant injury setback as midfielder Marcel Ruiz has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup. His club, Toluca, announced on Friday that Ruiz has sustained a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee.
The injury occurred in the first half of Toluca’s match against MLS side San Diego FC during the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday. Ruiz was substituted in the 40th minute and was seen leaving the field with ice on his right leg after the game concluded.
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“Our player Marcel Ruiz has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a medial meniscus tear in his right knee, sustained during the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 in San Diego,” Toluca stated on Friday.
“He will undergo surgery in the coming days, and the recovery time will be determined by his progress.”
At 25, Ruiz was expected to be a key player for Mexico, having started all three matches so far in 2026 under coach Javier Aguirre.
This injury adds to Aguirre’s challenges, as Club América goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón, another expected selection, also tore his Achilles this week, further excluding him from the World Cup.
With other key players like Edson Álvarez, Rodrigo Huescas, César Montes, Mateo Chávez, Gilberto Mora, and César Huerta dealing with minor injuries, there are now many uncertainties regarding Mexico’s roster.
While Toluca will continue their Liga MX campaign on Saturday at home against Toluca, Mexico will start preparing for the World Cup without Ruiz, participating in friendlies later this month against Portugal on March 28 and Belgium on March 31.
This summer, Mexico is co-hosting the World Cup along with the United States and Canada, kicking off the tournament against South Africa on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.