El Tri will face South Korea at GEODIS Park in Nashville after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Japan
Mexico return to action this Tuesday following a lackluster performance against Japan, where manager Javier Aguirre and his squad came under heavy criticism after a goalless draw at the Oakland Coliseum. Even Aguirre himself admitted afterward that Mexico didn’t deserve the win, but also stressed that progress is more important than scorelines at this stage.
Despite winning the Nations League and Gold Cup earlier this year, the “Vasco” still appears far from settling on a definitive roster for the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will kick off on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca. The coach has also faced scrutiny for some of his call-up decisions – both for players included and those left out. He is likely to make some changes heading into his match against South Korea Tuesday.
Midfielder Edson Álvarez has been ruled out for three weeks with a muscle injury, meaning he will miss the clash with the Taegeuk Warriors. Other regular starters against Japan – Jorge Sánchez, Jesús Gallardo, Roberto Alvarado, and Raúl Jiménez – could also be dropped to the bench. It remains to be seen whether Aguirre sticks with the same core from Saturday or opts for significant changes.
Now, after a flat showing against Japan, the pressure is on. are expected to deliver a stronger performance against South Korea, as another disappointing result could increase the pressure on Aguirre.
GOAL projects the lineup Aguirre is likely to field on Tuesday.
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GOAL's pick: Luis Ángel Malagón
Malagón has played the most full matches (13) under Javier Aguirre’s current tenure. The Club América goalkeeper has faced criticism for his recent performances, but all signs point to him being Mexico’s starting keeper at the World Cup if things continue this way. It remains to be seen whether Aguirre will make any changes in goal for the match against South Korea.
Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Raúl Rangel holds the record for the most appearances on the bench (15) during Aguirre’s stint in charge. If Aguirre makes a change, Tuesday could present a good opportunity for him to finally earn a start.
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GOAL's pick: Rodrigo Huescas, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Mateo Chávez
Against Japan, the starting full-backs were Jorge Sánchez and Jesús Gallardo, but for the match at GEODIS Park, expect to see Rodrigo Huescas of Copenhagen and Mateo Chávez of AZ Alkmaar in the lineup. This back four could well be the ideal option heading into the next World Cup, with Huescas currently one of the Mexican players in the best form and Chávez considered one of the country’s top prospects, having made the jump to Europe this year. Unless Aguirre decides to test another option, the center-back pairing should remain unchanged for Tuesday’s clash.
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GOAL's pick: Erik Lira, Marcel Ruiz, Erick Sánchez
With Álvarez sidelined due to injury, his usual replacement is Erik Lira, as was the case on Saturday when “El Machín” had to leave the field. Marcel Ruiz could retain his spot in the lineup, providing creativity and versatility to the team. In place of Orbelín Pineda, Erick Sánchez is expected to start; at Club América, he not only serves as a solid defensive midfielder but has also proven capable of making key runs into the box. There is a slight uncertainty here, as Carlos Rodríguez could also feature in the starting eleven, possibly replacing Ruiz instead.
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GOAL's pick: Diego Lainez, Santiago Gimenez, Alexis Vega
Rotate or keep the same attack? Javier Aguirre fielded Roberto Alvarado, Alexis Vega, and Raúl Jiménez on Saturday. While all three have been regular starters under Aguirre, they still haven’t fully found the chemistry needed to turn chances into goals. Diego Lainez could start in place of Alvarado, while Santiago Giménez might take Raúl Jiménez’s spot. The key lineup question revolves around San Diego FC's Hirving Lozano. Will he replace Alexis Vega from the start, or will he be introduced in the second half?