Following their trophy in the Nations League, GOAL projects which players could be on Mexico's roster for the Gold Cup
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Less than two months away from the start of the 2025 Gold Cup, Javier Aguirre’s Mexico will be aiming to win their 10th title since the tournament changed its format. El Tri is coming off their first Nations League championship and now seeks to dominate CONCACAF once again by defending the title they won in 2023, defeating Panama in the final.
With a seemingly solid spine – Luis Ángel Malagón in goal, Johan Vásquez anchoring the defense, Edson Álvarez controlling the midfield, and Raúl Jiménez up front – Mexico hopes to build momentum and results that will carry through to the 2026 World Cup.
However, it is important to note that players who will compete in the FIFA Club World Cup may not be available for the Gold Cup, as both tournaments will take place simultaneously in the U.S.. Currently, Rayados and Tuzos are the only teams participating in the Club World Cup, after León's disqualification.
It remains to be seen if América will join the competition. According to FIFA, they will play LAFC for the spot left vacant by La Fiera, pending the outcome of the appeal. This could cause headaches for "Vasco" as he called up three players from América for the Final Four of the Nations League.
Mexico will face Switzerland on June 7 at the University of Utah’s stadium, followed by a matchup against Turkey on June 10 at Kenan Stadium in North Carolina. Both games will serve as warm-ups for the Gold Cup. But if the tournament started today, who would make the cut for the 23-man roster? Could this solid core hold steady, or is there room for improvisation? GOAL takes a look.
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Javier Aguirre has his starting goalkeeper locked in: Luis Ángel Malagón. The Club América shot-stopper is undoubtedly the best Mexico has at the moment and will be the starter for the tournament opener against the Dominican Republic on June 14 at SoFi Stadium – that is unless he ultimately goes to play in the Club World Cup with Las Águilas.
Raúl Rangel, from Chivas, appears to be second in line, but it's still unclear whether Aguirre will call up Guillermo Ochoa – and more importantly, whether the veteran would accept a backup role. He could be the starter if Malagón plays in the Club World Cup, but that's still an unknown.
Carlos Moreno was included as the third-choice keeper for the Nations League as the coaching staff wanted to take a closer look at him, but it’s unlikely he would be picked over Ochoa if the legend returns to the squad. Another potential candidate is Carlos Acevedo from Santos Laguna.
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It’s unlikely that Javier Aguirre will make major changes to Mexico’s defense for the Gold Cup compared to the Nations League. In the final against Panama, he went with his best available lineup: Israel Reyes and Jesús Gallardo as full-backs, and César Montes partnering with Johan Vásquez at center-back.
Jorge Sánchez and Kevin Álvarez, full-backs for Cruz Azul and América respectively, were not called up for the March tournament. But both are currently in great form and could break into the squad this summer. Also la Máquina's Jesús Orozco is in the mix for center-back.
The backup defenders in March were Jesús Angulo, Ramón Juárez and Rodrigo Huescas. This is where rotations could happen, but the starting backline appears to be set.
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Captain Edson Álvarez, Luis Romo from Chivas, Carlos Rodríguez and Erik Lira from Cruz Azul, Luis Chávez of Dynamo Moscow, and Orbelín Pineda of AEK were the midfielders selected by for the Nations League.
It’s unlikely Aguirre will make many changes for the Gold Cup, as these players have been among the top performers both abroad and in Liga MX. However, Erik Sánchez from América could end up sneaking into the squad, potentially taking the place of Carlos Rodríguez.
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Efraín Álvarez (Xolos), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham), Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah), Santiago Giménez (AC Milan), Alexis Vega (Toluca), and César Huerta (RSC) completed the list of forwards in the March tournament.
However, if Hirving Lozano stays physically fit for the summer, he could take Álvarez's spot. The others are in great form with their clubs, making it unlikely that Aguirre would leave any of them out.