Mexico name World Cup squad: Guillero Ochoa could appear at sixth tournament, German Bertrearme snubbed
Verteran Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will have the opportunity to play in a record-breaking sixth tournament after being named in his country’s final 26-man squad for the tournament.
An injury to first-choice goalkeeper Luis Malagon has opened the door for Ochoa, 40, who will be vying with Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo for the record of appearing in the most World Cups this summer.
Mexico’s roster features plenty of firepower in the form of Fulham striker Raul Jimenez and Milan’s Santiago Gimenez, along with teenage star Gilberto Mora from Club Tijuana.
Nuestros corazones hoy laten por el mismo objetivo. Somos todos, somos juntos. 🙌#SomosMéxico 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/DSChFfnIQK
— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) June 1, 2026
There is no place, however, for Inter Miami forward German Bertrearme, nor winger Diego Lainez of Tigres UANL. Julian Quinones makes the cut after finishing as top scorer in the Saudi Pro League last season.
The c0-hosts open the tournament at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on June 11 against South Africa and also face South Korea (June 19, Zapopan) and the Czech Republic (June 25, Mexico City) in Group A.
Javier Aguirre’s side have a final tune-up against Serbia on June 4.
Analysis
Mexico, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside the United States and Canada, is the first country to host three World Cups.
Aguirre’s squad is much along the lines that many expected. Notable absentees include first-choice goalkeeper Luis Malagon, who was always a doubt after suffering an Achilles injury in March, opening the door for the iconic Ochoa to appear at a record-breaking sixth World Cup for his country.
Diego Lainez and Carlos Rodriguez may have hoped for call-ups, while Bertrearme is the biggest snub in attack. He was a consistent scorer for Monterrey in Liga MX, and has scored seven in his last ten for MLS side Inter Miami.
Mexico can rely on experience across defence, even if they are a little light, with midfielder Edson Alvarez capable of dropping into the back line if required. Luis Chavez makes the squad after a long ACL lay-off, bringing set-piece expertise to midfield, while 16-year-old Gilberto Mora is an exciting inclusion on the flanks.
Up top, Aguirre continues to trust 35-year-old Raul Jimenez to lead the line, while Milan’s Santiago Gimenez provides stern competition despite a disappointing spell in Italy.
Julian Quinones scored 33 goals in 31 starts for Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, finishing as the division’s top scorer, and brings explosive movement and a powerful right-footed shot to the front line.
Mexico’s 26-man squad in full
Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa, Raul Rangel, Carlos Acevedo
Defenders: Jesus Gallardo, Israel Reyes, César Montes, Jorge Sanchez, Johan Vazquez, Mateo Chavez
Midfielders: Gilberto Mora, Edson Álvarez, Orbelín Pineda, Luis Romo, Brian Gutierrez, Obed Vargas, César Huerta, Luis Chavez, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Roberto Alvarado
Forwards: Armando Gonzalez, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones, Santiago Gimenez, Guillermo Martinez, Alexis Vega