Goalkeeper
- Bubble: Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo, Carlos Moreno
Malagon has been the guy for the last 12 months and do not think he loses his spot before the World Cup. I think Rangel has done enough to be his deputy but not enough to be anything else. Memo has the inside track on being the 3rd keeper on the roster. He can provide leadership and a steady hand in case shit really hits the fan.
Right Back
- Locks: Jorge Sanchez
- Bubble: Rodrigo Huescas, Julian Araujo, Kevin Alvarez
Huescas was in the process of making this position his but an ACL tear in October means he will likely miss out on making the roster all together. If healthy, he goes but he is in a race that I do not expect he will win. Better news for Araujo as his loan for Celtic already has him seeing the field. While at Bournemouth, he had not played since August. With Israel Reyes being able to play RB, only 2 natural right backs should make the final roster.
Center Back
- Locks: Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Israel Reyes
- Bubble: Juan Jose Purata, Ramon Juarez, Jesus Angulo
I had Jesus Orozco penciled in as Johan’s backup but a dislocated ankle has ended his World Cup dreams. The 3 locks on my list can also play in a back 3/5 plus Edson gives Vasco some tactical flexibility. The 4th CB position is far from settled. Look for it to be settled in these upcoming camps before the big March window.
Left Back
- Locks: Jesus Gallardo, Mateo Chavez
- Bubble: ???
A couple years ago, I assumed Gerardo Arteaga would have been Mexico’s LB at the 2026 World Cup but he has not played for Mexico since June 2024 at the Copa America. I don’t even think there’s a 3rd LB in the depth chart.
Central Midfielder
- Locks: Edson Alvarez, Marcel Ruiz, Gilberto Mora, Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda
- Bubble: Obed Vargas, Luis Romo, Charly Rodriguez, Luis Chavez, Erick Sanchez
Mexico will only go as far as the midfield takes them. Orbelin is super inconsistent but Vasco loves him. I think 1 of Charly/Romo make the final roster and I give Chavez the best chance out of the 3 injured players (Huescas/Orozco) to make it. Really hoping Vargas gets called into the January/February camps to get some minutes in front of Vasco.
Wingers
- Locks: Alexis Vega, Roberto Alvarado, Cesar Huerta
- Bubble: Julián Quiñones, Diego Lainez, Hirving Lozano
Besides Vega, just a lot of meh at the winger position for Mexico. And even Vega can be a ghost for Mexico. The bubble guys each come with some positional flexibility as Lainez can play as a wing back, Chucky as a second striker and Julian can play up top.
Center Forward
- Locks: Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez
- Bubble: Armando Gonzalez, German Berterame, Angel Sepulveda
Would not be surprised if only Jimenez/Gimenez make it from this group but I suspect there will be 3rd striker at the World Cup. It likely comes down to whoever is in form come roster deadline time.
Final Impressions
Although there is only 1 official window left, Mexico scheduled 3 friendlies in January/February that will consist of LigaMX players. Maybe MLS players will be called up but the FMF will need to negotiate with each club. This gives the advantage for those bubble spots to players who will see action in these games. I don’t think Mexico will experiment or fringe players in the March window versus Portugal and Belgium. Expect the “Starters” to see the bulk of those minutes.