“I’m not committed to anyone”: Aguirre keeps pressure on Mexico players

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre confirmed that players still competing in Liga MX or international tournaments remain eligible for the final World Cup squad.

Photo: Eduardo Fuentes /ESTO

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre made it clear that the race for a place in the national team’s 2026 World Cup squad remains open, even for players who are not currently training with the group.

Speaking during a World Cup-related event in Monterrey, Aguirre confirmed that players such as Marcel Ruiz and Carlos Rodríguez could still earn a spot in the final roster, provided they are included in the preliminary list of 55 players previously submitted to FIFA.

The comments come amid growing debate surrounding several notable absences from Mexico’s current training camp roster, particularly players still involved in the Liga MX playoffs and other competitions.

“The list is open,” Aguirre said. “If a player is part of the list of 55 and is still competing in the playoffs, of course he can still be considered.”

Aguirre emphasized that no player has secured a guaranteed place in the final 26-man squad and insisted that current form remains the key factor in the decision-making process.

“In football, you can never take anything for granted. I’m not committed to anyone,” the veteran coach explained.

The statement immediately reignited discussions around players like Marcel Ruiz and Charly Rodríguez, both of whom remain active and influential in Liga MX.

Aguirre also revealed that his coaching staff has maintained regular communication with Mexican players abroad and with footballers still competing domestically. He specifically referenced Germán Berterame as an example of the close monitoring taking place ahead of the tournament.

The Mexico manager acknowledged that every squad announcement inevitably sparks criticism and debate among supporters and media.

“There will always be players people think should be included,” Aguirre admitted. “That has happened since 1970 and it will continue happening.”

With less than a month remaining before the start of the World Cup, Aguirre expressed confidence in the team’s physical and mental preparation, particularly regarding adaptation to Mexico City’s altitude.

He also praised the support received from Liga MX clubs and executives throughout the process, calling it one of the strongest institutional backing experiences of his career.

Aguirre ended with a message aimed at fans across the country, urging unity behind the national team ahead of a home World Cup.

“We have to put club colors aside. We are all Mexicans,” he said.