Road to Mexico's 2026 World Cup Roster: Liga MX Players to Watch in the Clausura 2026 Season
The upcoming Liga MX season is crucial for several El Tri World Cup hopefuls as they aim to secure a spot in Mexico’s 2026 World Cup roster. With the start of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 season approaching, players have a final opportunity to impress national team coach Javier Aguirre and earn a place in the squad. While most of the roster seems settled, there are still openings that fringe players will be looking to fill with strong performances in the upcoming campaign.
Mexico will rely heavily on Liga MX players for the 2026 World Cup, and the upcoming friendlies will feature a squad exclusively composed of domestic talent. Players will need to shine in the early stages of the Clausura 2026 to catch Aguirre's eye and secure a spot in the national team camps focused on the World Cup. Here are five players on the fringes who could make a case for inclusion in Mexico’s 2026 World Cup roster with standout performances in the upcoming season.
Kevin Álvarez, a right back, has the opportunity to claim a spot left vacant by Rodrigo Huescas due to injury. Despite inconsistency, Álvarez has the potential to excel if he can improve defensively and rediscover his attacking prowess. Meanwhile, Elías Montiel, a talented midfielder from Pachuca, has shown promise but needs to prove himself on the international stage to secure a place in the World Cup squad.
Ramón Juárez, a center back known for his aerial ability, could fill a void left by Jesús Orozco's injury. Juárez's physical presence and defensive instincts make him a strong candidate, provided he can improve his ball-playing skills. Ángel Sepulveda, a seasoned striker, aims to regain his form at Chivas and earn a spot in the national team after a challenging period with Cruz Azul.
Lastly, Álvaro Fidalgo, a highly skilled midfielder from Club América, is considering representing Mexico internationally and could be a game-changer for El Tri. With his technical ability and soccer intelligence, Fidalgo has the potential to be a key player in Mexico’s World Cup campaign if he maintains his exceptional form. As these players compete in the Clausura 2026, their performances will be closely monitored as they vie for a coveted spot in Mexico’s 2026 World Cup roster.