FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico Coach Shrugs Off Absentees, Eyes Big Test Against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Javier Aguirre, the head coach of Mexico, is choosing to focus on the players available rather than those missing, as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup friendlies. The El Tri will first take on the field against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal side at the iconic Azteca Stadium ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This will be followed by a match against Rudi Garcia's Belgium side.

The match against Portugal will see the doors of the iconic Azteca Stadium open its doors once again to football, which has been closed since May 2024 due to renovations. The stadium will once again be in the middle of the World Football Gala as it prepares to host its third World Cup in its history. The game against Belgium will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Who Are The Absentees From The Mexican Side?

The list of absentees includes six players front he team that recently won the maiden CONCACAF Nations League final for Mexico and the Gold Cup last year. "Half of the team that won two titles, with whom you forged a family bond and a commitment, and who lifted a trophy today, are not with you. It's by no means an excuse because other Mexicans are emerging in the same positions and they will try," Aguirre said at a pre-match press conference Thursday.

Meanwhile, there are some injuries as well in the team. The injured in the list of players from the Mexican side include AC Milan's striker Santiago Gimenez, midfielders Luis Chavez, Cesar Huerta, and Rodrigo Huescas, who are all playing in the European leagues.

"It's true that of these 12 injured players, two or three are definitely out, not because of me, but due to medical reasons, but there could be good news for the others," the coach said.

"Are there any absences? Yes, there are, we'll miss them, that's true, but we can't depend on anyone. We haven't done so far. Therefore, if Juan isn't available, Pedro will come in," Aguirre further said.

Ochoa's Wild Card Entry Into The Team

Meanwhile, the injury to goalkeeper Luis Malagon and midfielder Marcel Ruiz in recent matches means that the 40-year-old Mexican veteran, Guillermo Ochoa, makes a comeback in the national team. This was the national call-up for Ochoa since the time of the Gold Cup.

The goalkeeper is seeking his sixth World Cup appearance. "Memo' is an active goalkeeper, who is competing, and he is a player who helps us a lot on and off the field," Aguirre said. Aguirre and Ochoa have not hit the perfect chord in the past after the latter was sidelined during the 2010 World Cup, when he was sidelined for the more experienced Oscar Perez.

However, this time, the veteran will be eager to rewrite the script against a familiar opponent. Mexico is set to face South Africa on June 12 in a highly anticipated rematch of their 2010 World Cup clash, only this time, the battle will unfold on Mexican home soil.