Mexico: injury crisis less than 100 days before the 2026 World Cup

World Cup 2026 14 March 2026 at 04:57

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

The mood within the Mexican national team is becoming increasingly worrying as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. With less than one hundred days before their tournament debut, one of the host nations is seeing injuries and uncertainties pile up around several key squad members. It’s a delicate situation that is seriously complicating head coach Javier Aguirre’s plans.

The injury list just keeps getting longer. The latest blow concerns midfielder Marcel Ruiz. The Deportivo Toluca FC player has suffered a torn ligament in his right knee—a serious injury that ends his hopes of taking part in the World Cup.

But beyond this latest setback, it’s the sheer number of absences that is causing alarm in the Mexican camp. Several key players are already ruled out or still recovering, creating a genuine headache for the coaching staff just months before the global showdown.

Among the most significant absentees is Club América goalkeeper Ángel Malagón, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon. Defensive midfielder Edson Álvarez, now at Fenerbahçe SK, also had to undergo ankle surgery.

Midfielder Luis Chávez, who plays for Dynamo Moscow, is also recovering from a ligament rupture, as is Rodrigo Huescas of FC Copenhagen.

Key players still in doubt

Other important squad members remain in limbo. Striker Santiago Giménez, now with AC Milan, only recently returned to training after a physical setback. Young prospect Gilberto Mora of Club Tijuana continues to struggle with persistent groin pain.

In a similar situation, Alexis Vega (Deportivo Toluca FC) and César Huerta of RSC Anderlecht are still working through their recovery processes, with no guarantee they’ll be fully fit in time for the tournament.

A selection headache for the coach

With seven absentees already confirmed and several major players still uncertain, the Mexican national team is navigating a worrying spell just as the competition draws near. For Javier Aguirre, the priority now is to rebuild his squad and find quick solutions to approach the World Cup with a competitive lineup.

As tournament hosts, Mexico are set to kick off their World Cup campaign on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca. But as the weeks pass, optimism is slowly giving way to concern as the squad faces a genuine injury crisis.