Mexico reveals its first 12 players called up for the World Cup: Martinez, the surprise.

The Pumas UNAM striker, Guillermo Martínez, heads the list of 12 Liga MX players called up by Mexico for the next World Cup, as announced by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF). The FMF confirmed the selection of two goalkeepers, two defenders, five midfielders, and three forwards. These players will gather in Mexico City starting May 6 to begin the final phase of preparation. Martínez, with five goals in the Clausura tournament, emerges as a key offensive option. The coach, Javier Aguirre, has some concerns about the recovery of some forwards, including Santiago Giménez, from Italian Milan, who has had few minutes after an injury. In addition to the 12 selected for the World Cup, Aguirre called up eight young promises who will act as “helpers”. Although they have no chance of participating in the World Cup, this experience will help their development.

• Óscar García (León)
• Luis Rey (Puebla)
• Eduardo Águila (San Luis)
• Jesús Gómez (Tijuana)
• Denzell García (Juárez FC)
• Iker Fimbres (Monterrey)
• Jairo Torres (Juárez FC)
• Kevin Castañeda (Tijuana)

The final list of the Mexican national team will be completed on June 1st with the footballers who play abroad, mainly in Europe. Figures like Raúl Jiménez (Fulham), Johan Vásquez (Genoa) and Guillermo Ochoa (Limassol of Cyprus), who could play his sixth World Cup, are expected to be present. A notable absence is that of midfielder Marcel Ruiz (Toluca), who was expected to be a starter, but suffered a serious knee injury. Before the World Cup, Javier Aguirre’s team will play three friendly matches against Ghana on May 22, Australia on the 30th, and Serbia on June 4. Mexico will compete in Group A of the World Cup, facing South Africa on June 11, Korea on the 18th, and the Czech Republic on the 24th. The goal of Aguirre’s “Tri” is to reach the quarter-finals, an achievement that Mexico achieved on the two occasions it hosted the World Cup.

First list of Mexico’s call-ups for the 2026 World Cup:

• Goalkeepers: Raúl Rangel (Guadalajara) and Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna).
• Defenders: Israel Reyes (América) and Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
• Midfielders: Luis Romo (Guadalajara), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Brian Gutiérrez (Guadalajara), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Roberto Alvarado (Guadalajara).
• Forwards: Alexis Vega (Toluca), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas UNAM) and Armando González (Guadalajara).