Mexico's Squad Analysis

As we approach the upcoming match on March 20th of Canada versus Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League’s Semi-final, we find a new rendition of Mexico. The three-time Mexico coach Javier Aguirre recently announced his twenty-three-man squad, and it came with a few surprises. The Mexican National team posted their squad list on their X page.

The list includes Goalkeepers:

Angel Malagon (Club America), Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca)

Defenders: Rodrigo Huescas (FC Copenhague), Israel Reyes (Club America), Ramon Juarez (Club America), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscu), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Angulo (Tigres), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca)

Midfielders: Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Luis Romo (Chivas), Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscu), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Atenas)

Forwards: Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Raul Jimenez (Fulham), Julian Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Cesar Huerta (RSC Anderlecht), Efrain Alvarez (Tijuana)

Aguirre’s latest call up sees a departure of old faces like Memo Ochoa, Chuky Lozano and Henry Martin. Ochoa is not doing so well for his team AVS in the top flight of the Portuguese League, conceding 23 goals in 15 appearances. Club America talisman Henry Martin has not had a successful campaign in Mexico, with only 1 goal in 6 appearances. Chuky Lozano has not been called up by El Tri in some time, but he is not available due to an injury suffered in San Diego FC’s MLS scoreless draw against St. Louis, that saw Lozano leave the field in the 31st minute. Another notable snub is Julian Araujo for Premiere League team Bournemouth. The Mexican-American has had his season riddled with injuries and has failed to cement himself as a starter for his team. Aguirre will look to make do without these players as he looks to overcome his northern rivals Canada.

In the absence of certain veteran players, new blood begins to circulate. Pachuca goalkeeper, Carlos Moreno will make his senior debut for the Mexican National team after a good showing in the Intercontinental Cup last year. Efrain Alvarez of Xolos de Tijuana, makes a return to the national team after a good spell in Liga MX. Ramon Juarez will look to cement himself as a regular for the Mexican backline. The young center-back for Club America has found a lot of success as of late. Juarez is an important player for a team that has just come from winning three championships in a row in the Domestic league of Mexico. These new players will look to impress the coach during this international window.

Mexico will be relying on inform players to overcome Canada like Raul Jimenez, who is having a resurgence in his career after overcoming a tragic accident some years ago. Jimenez has 10 goals, 3 assists in 28 matches for Fulham and will look to replicate his club form for country.

Many will be clamoring for AC Milan’s new starting striker, Santi Gimenez, to start for El Tri. The 23-year-old has garnered 2 goals and 1 assist in 6 matches for Milan. He looks very promising in the way he links up with others and finds himself in dangerous positions for the Rossoneri.

Julian Quiñones is lighting up the Saudi League with 15 goals and 4 assists in 21 matches. Quiñones, who can play as a striker or out in the wing, is in great form as he goes toe-to-toe with the likes of Cristian Ronaldo.

Toluca winger Alexis Vega is coming off a hattrick of goals against Necaxa. The tricky forward will look to establish himself as an important asset for the national team. Vega has garnered 10 goals and 8 assists in 30 matches. His career has been steadily trending upwards since his return to his boyhood club Toluca, and his services will be needed in the upcoming semi-final clash against Canada.

Mexico will have their work cut out for them against Canada. With players like Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, Lille’s Jonathan David, and many others, Canada comes into this match as a formidable rival. This will not be an easy match for Mexico, who has suffered in form these last few years. It will be imperative for Mexico to negate the quality and pace of Canada’s attackers. El Tri will also need put away their chances, something they have struggled with these last few years. Mexico went the entirety of the Copa America without scoring a goal and had to comeback in dramatic fashion against Honduras in the previous round of the Nations League. Aguirre will look to right the ship by defeating Canada, as well as whoever they face in the final of this tournament.

As we draw closer to the 2026 World Cup, El Tri will look to rectify the failures of the past by coming into this World Cup in form. Canada is an obstacle on the road of redemption for Mexico and it will take all their efforts for them to come out on top in this semi-final match up.