The road to the 2026 World Cup is officially underway for Mexico, and the latest El Tri call-ups reveal a clear strategy: a deep dive into Liga MX talent, featuring some intriguing dual-national choices. Coach Javier Aguirre is leaving no stone unturned in his search for the best prospects, utilizing this non-FIFA window to assess domestic stars.
Key Points:
- Mexico National Team unveils a Liga MX-exclusive roster for the friendly against Iceland.
- Former USMNT players Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez commit to El Tri.
- Chivas dominates the call-ups with seven representatives, showcasing its talent pipeline.
- Coach Javier Aguirre uses this non-FIFA window to scout domestic prospects for future international competitions.
El Tri's Domestic Talent Showcase Against Iceland
The Mexico National Team is gearing up for an important friendly clash against Iceland on Wednesday, February 25, at the Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro. This fixture isn't just another match; it's a vital evaluation opportunity for head coach Javier Aguirre, affectionately known as 'Vasco'. Given it falls outside the official FIFA international window, the squad exclusively features top-tier talent from Liga MX.
This strategic approach allows Aguirre to broaden his selection pool and give deserving domestic players a chance to impress on the international stage. It's a crucial step in building a formidable squad for the upcoming World Cup cycle.
High-Stakes Dual-National Decisions
Ledezma & Gutiérrez Choose Green Over Stars and Stripes
Perhaps the most compelling narrative within this squad is the commitment of several Mexican-American players. Richard Ledezma, who previously featured for the USMNT, has now definitively pledged his allegiance to Mexico. Joining him is Brian Gutiérrez, formerly of Chicago Fire and now with Chivas, who aims to secure a coveted spot on the 2026 World Cup roster.
These decisions highlight the intense competition for national team places and the emotional pull of representing one's heritage. Efraín Álvarez, another talent from Chivas (and formerly LA Galaxy), further strengthens the contingent of promising Mexican-American players making their mark under 'Vasco'.
Chivas Leads the Charge in National Call-Ups
Guadalajara's Chivas proudly stands as the biggest contributor to this El Tri roster, sending an impressive seven players to the national camp. This strong representation underscores the club's robust development system and its current pipeline of top-tier Mexican talent.
The Chivas contingent includes Raúl Rangel, Richard Ledezma, Diego Campillo, Brian Gutiérrez, Efraín Álvarez, Roberto Alvarado, and Armando González. Both América and Toluca also made significant contributions, each seeing four of their players earn a call-up, demonstrating the depth of talent across Liga MX.
Full Mexico Squad: Iceland Friendly
Goalkeepers
- Luis Ángel Malagón (América)
- Raúl Rangel (Chivas)
- Carlos Acevedo (Santos)
Defenders
- Richard Ledezma (Chivas)
- Jesús Garza (Tigres)
- Víctor Guzmán (Rayados)
- Israel Reyes (América)
- Everardo López (Toluca)
- Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
- Diego Campillo (Chivas)
Midfielders
- Erik Lira (Cruz Azul)
- Erick Sánchez (América)
- Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul)
- Denzell García (FC Juárez)
- Marcel Ruiz (Toluca)
- Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas)
- Alexis Gutiérrez (América)
Forwards
- Efraín Álvarez (Chivas)
- Roberto Alvarado (Chivas)
- Guillermo Martínez (Pumas)
- Armando González (Chivas)


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