Javier Aguirre Adjusts Roster as International Transfers and Injuries Impact Mexico Squad
The roster for Mexico’s upcoming friendly against Iceland has presented unexpected challenges for head coach Javier Aguirre. A combination of player transfers and injuries has forced adjustments ahead of the match, scheduled to be played at Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro.
Initially, the contest against Iceland was anticipated to be a straightforward evaluation opportunity for Aguirre as Mexico prepares for the Copa del Mundo, which is now less than 100 days away. The coach had previously indicated he had roughly 80 percent of his starting lineup determined, focusing on identifying the final pieces of the puzzle.
The Iceland match was intended to provide a glance at players like Álvaro Fidalgo, Germán Berterame, and Obed Vargas. Though, the squad now consists solely of players from the domestic league.
Fidalgo recently completed a move to Real Betis, while Vargas has joined Atlético de Madrid during the winter transfer window. Berterame, meanwhile, has signed with Inter Miami CF of MLS, where he will play alongside Lionel Messi.
Aguirre’s options were further limited by injuries. Gilberto Mora is sidelined with pubalgia and is not expected to return to action until late March. Alexis Vega remains in recovery, and Jesús Orozco Chiquete is considered unlikely to develop the final Copa del Mundo roster.
Aguirre has leaned heavily on players from Chivas, who are currently enjoying a strong run of form in Liga MX and field an all-Mexican roster. Diego Campillo has earned a chance to compete for a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad, and Richard Ledezma continues to be evaluated for the right-back position.
📋 Mexico National Team Roster vs. Iceland
Luis Ángel Malagón – América – Goalkeeper
Raúl Rangel – Chivas – Goalkeeper
Carlos Acevedo – Santos – Goalkeeper
Richard Ledezma – Chivas – Defender
Jesús Garza – Tigres – Defender
Víctor Guzmán – Rayados – Defender
Israel Reyes – América – Defender
Everardo López – Toluca – Defender
Jesús Gallardo – Toluca – Defender
Diego Campillo – Chivas – Defender
Erik Lira – Cruz Azul – Midfielder
Erick Sánchez – América – Midfielder
Carlos Rodríguez – Cruz Azul – Midfielder
Denzell García – FC Juárez – Midfielder
Marcel Ruiz – Toluca – Midfielder
Brian Gutiérrez – Chivas – Midfielder
Alexis Gutiérrez – América – Midfielder
Efraín Álvarez – Chivas – Forward
Roberto Alvarado – Chivas – Forward
Guillermo Martínez – Pumas – Forward
Armando González – Chivas – Forward
