Javier Aguirre’s squad drew 0-0 against Japan in Oakland and salvaged a 2-2 result against South Korea on Tuesday
As 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 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.
Getty Images SportSTOCK UP: Erik Lira
There wasn’t much to celebrate for Mexico in their friendlies against Japan and South Korea as both opponents looked sharper and exposed several of weaknesses. Still, one bright spot was Lira. After Álvarez went down injured against Japan, the Cruz Azul midfielder stepped into the starting lineup and immediately made Mexico look more fluid in possession. Lira’s ability to progress the ball and stay composed under pressure stood out, an area where Álvarez often struggles. While it’s hard to imagine Álvarez being dropped from Aguirre’s starting XI, some experts argue his future with the national team may be as a center back rather than in midfield. Lira's rise could be a factor that sees that change push through.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSTOCK DOWN: Hirving Lozano
The left winger displayed flashes of individual quality, winning duels and taking on defenders, but his passing accuracy left much to be desired. He failed to establish himself as the offensive leader down his flank in either match. Fans might be patient with "Chucky," one of Mexico’s recent icons thanks to his European career and World Cup performances, but in a position with heavy competition and limited standout talent, the San Diego FC star missed a key opportunity to shine.
Getty Images SportSTOCK UP: Santiago Gimenez
Giménez has just six goals in 44 appearances for the Mexican national team. The AC Milan striker has suffered from bad luck at times and also a lack of finishing touch on the national team, but his quality is undeniable. He proved it with a stunning strike against South Korea to rescue a 2-2 draw, just when it looked like Aguirre’s side would finish the FIFA window with a draw and a defeat.
The goal ended an eight-match scoring drought for Giménez, easing some of the pressure on him, as he is always under the spotlight. For now, Gimenez remains Raúl Jiménez’s backup, though Aguirre has consistently given him minutes. If he keeps finding the back of the net, he’ll be a serious contender for a spot in the starting XI.
Getty Images SportSTOCK DOWN: Diego Lainez and Germán Berterame
Both Diego Lainez (Tigres) and Germán Berterame (Monterrey) were called up for this FIFA window due to their strong club form. However, neither has shown they can compete with Raúl Jiménez, Santiago Giménez, Hirving Lozano, or Ángel Sepúlveda – the latter missing this call-up due to injury and still not guaranteed a spot for the World Cup, though he ranks ahead of Berterame.
Lainez made his first appearance with El Tri since 2024, playing only 28 minutes – he stayed on the bench against Japan and was limited to a short spell against South Korea, where he couldn’t showcase much of his talent. He hasn’t scored for the national team since 2021. On the other end, Berterame – in four appearances for Mexico – has yet to score and has only recorded two shots on target in 180 minutes of play.
It seems likely that these two players have had their last call-ups for the foreseeable future, as they are unlikely to feature in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
