Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mexico’s national soccer team has announced a 26-player squad list for their upcoming March friendlies against Portugal and Belgium. The roster features several notable omissions due to injuries, including Luis Romo, Julian Araujo, Edson Alvarez, and Santiago Gimenez. However, the team has also called up Spanish-born midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo, who recently switched his international allegiance to Mexico. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has also been included as he aims to make his sixth World Cup appearance.

Why it matters

These two friendlies will be Mexico’s final tune-up matches before they begin their World Cup training camp in May. The matches against Portugal and Belgium will provide a stern test for Mexico as they prepare to compete in one of the world’s biggest sporting events. The high number of injured players is a concern, but the inclusion of new talent like Fidalgo could help offset those losses.

The details

Mexico’s 26-player squad includes three goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders, and six forwards. The most notable omissions are due to injury, including Luis Romo, Julian Araujo, Edson Alvarez, and Santiago Gimenez. However, the team has called up Spanish-born midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo, who recently switched his international allegiance to Mexico. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has also been included as he aims to make his sixth World Cup appearance.

  • Mexico will face Portugal on March 28th at Estadio Banorte (Estadio Azteca) in Mexico City.
  • Mexico will then travel to the United States to face Belgium on March 31st at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The players

Javier Aguirre

The head coach of the Mexico national soccer team.

Alvaro Fidalgo

A Spanish-born midfielder who recently switched his international allegiance to Mexico and has been called up for the first time.

Guillermo Ochoa

A veteran goalkeeper for Mexico who is aiming to make his sixth World Cup appearance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

These two friendlies against Portugal and Belgium will be crucial for Mexico as they prepare for the World Cup. While the team is dealing with a number of key injuries, the inclusion of new talent like Alvaro Fidalgo could help offset those losses and provide a boost as Mexico looks to make a deep run in the tournament.