Stock Up, Stock Down: Evaluating Mexico's Players after Recent Friendlies
Javier Aguirre’s squad showed promise in recent friendlies, with some players shining and others struggling to make an impact. Find out who stood out, whose stock rose, and whose fell in the latest update on Mexico's national team.
Javier Aguirre’s squad drew 0-0 against Japan in Oakland and salvaged a 2-2 result against South Korea on TuesdayAs Mexico manager Javier Aguirre continues shaping his roster for the 2026 World Cup, a handful of players already look like the backbone of El Tri: Luis Ángel Malagón, Johan Vásquez, Edson Álvarez, and Raúl Jiménez. Others are still fighting to prove they belong in the final 23. The results, draws against Japan and South Korea, may not have met fans’ expectations, but Aguirre made clear that Mexico’s foundation is set.“I can’t say whether we’re close or far from where we want to be for the World Cup, but after a year, we’ve established a base, we’re on the right track,” Aguirre said. “Good, bad, or average football - that’s for you to judge. My job is to train, to find players for the World Cup, and to give them a clear football identity. We’ve used around 35 players so far, and we’re still searching.”Against Japan, Mexico lost Álvarez to injury, but his replacement, Erik Lira, impressed. Many observers even argued that El Tri looked sharper with the Cruz Azul midfielder pulling the strings than with the Fenerbahçe veteran in charge.In Nashville, Jiménez ended his scoring drought with goal No. 43 for Mexico, moving into third on the country’s all-time scoring list and reminding everyone of his quality as a veteran striker. Fellow forward Santiago Giménez also eased the pressure on himself with a stunning stoppage-time strike to seal a 2-2 draw against South Korea.Not everyone left camp on a high. San Diego FC’s Hirving Lozano, in his first call-up in more than a year, failed to make an impact in either match. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel also had little to show as South Korea’s attackers exposed him on both goals.With FIFA windows still to come in October, November and March - just before World Cup call-ups begin - Mexico’s roster should soon look far more defined. By then, fans and observers will have a much clearer sense of what “Vasco” plans to field in the June 11 opener. Some players moved closer to securing their spots with these performances. Others will be left wondering if they did enough. So, who stood out? Whose stock rose, and whose fell? GOAL takes a look.
Establishing a Strong Foundation
Mexico faced Japan and South Korea in recent friendlies, resulting in a 0-0 draw and a 2-2 draw respectively. Despite mixed results, manager Javier Aguirre remains confident in the team's progress, emphasizing the establishment of a solid base for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Rising Stars: Santiago Giménez and Erik Lira
Erik Lira impressed as a replacement for the injured Edson Álvarez, showcasing his skills and orchestrating the midfield effectively. Santiago Giménez also highlighted his talent with a crucial stoppage-time goal against South Korea, further proving his value to the squad.
Veteran Presence: Raúl Jiménez's Milestone
Raúl Jiménez ended his goal drought by scoring his 43rd goal for Mexico, securing his position as a key veteran striker for the team. His performance against South Korea reaffirmed his quality and experience within the squad.
Struggling Performances: Hirving Lozano and Raúl Rangel
In contrast, Hirving Lozano failed to make a significant impact in his return to the national team after more than a year, raising questions about his form and contribution. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel also faced challenges in the recent matches, highlighting areas for improvement in his performance.
Future Prospects and Selection Process
With additional FIFA windows approaching before the World Cup call-ups, Mexico's roster is expected to undergo further refinement. Players will have more opportunities to stake their claim for a spot in the final squad, while others must step up to secure their positions. Fans and observers eagerly await Aguirre's final selections for the World Cup opener on June 11.
