Ex-Serie A Star Omitted From Mexico’s Preliminary WC Squad

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre left out a notable name from his 55-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Mexico will become the first country to host three FIFA World Cups when Bafana Bafana face EL Tri in the tournament's opening game on 11 June, 16 years after the two teams met in the 2010 World Cup opener.

Aguirre announced a strong preliminary squad featuring the likes of Raul Jimenez from Fulham and experienced goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who will be looking to make history and head to his sixth FIFA World Cup.

Aguirre will have to trim more than half of his squad for the Finals, with managers only allowed to submit a maximum of 26 players.

Despite a strong presence of local and international players, Aguirre made a decision to exclude former Napoli and PSV Eindhoven winger, Hirving "Chucky" Lozano.

The 30-year-old, who currently plays in the Major League Soccer (MLS) for San Diego FC, has not played a single minute of action in the league for 2026, Fox Sports reported.

Lozano has reportedly been out of action due to disciplinary tension with his club, and Aguirre revealed that regular playing time was essential for any player to be considered for selection.

The former Napoli winger previously played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, famously scoring Mexico's winning goal in a surprise 1-0 victory over Germany at the 2018 tournament.

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Among the other notable names in Aguirre's prelim squad includes Fenerbahce utility man Edson Alvarez and AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez, who will be expected to make the final squad.