Mexico’s September Showdown: Three Key Players Eyeing World Cup Spots

As the Mexico national team prepares for crucial friendly matches against Japan and South Korea this September, the spotlight intensifies on a select group of players. Following a triumphant 2025, which saw El Tri clinch both the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup, head coach Javier Aguirre has solidified the core of his World Cup squad. However, a handful of coveted spots remain open, offering fringe players a golden opportunity to impress.

“El Vasco” Aguirre has openly admitted that over half of his
World Cup roster
is already decided. This September camp marks the beginning of the final phase of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host. With a squad largely mirroring the Gold Cup-winning side, several fresh faces and returning talents are eager to prove their worth.

Here are three players who could make a significant impact in the upcoming friendlies and stake their claim for a coveted spot in the World Cup squad.

Hirving Lozano: The Resurgent “Chucky”

For the first time under Javier Aguirre’s tenure, Hirving “El Chucky” Lozano is back in the El Tri fold. It’s been over a year since Lozano last wore the national team jersey, having been notably absent from the squad that exited the 2024 Copa América in the group stage. After a challenging second stint at PSV Eindhoven, which ultimately led to the end of his European career, Lozano has found new life in MLS with expansion side San Diego FC.

His move to San Diego has been a revelation, with Lozano’s nine goals and six assists propelling the team to become one of MLS’s best, securing an early playoff berth. Traditionally a left-winger for both club and country, including two previous World Cups, Lozano might find himself deployed on the right flank for Mexico. With Alexis Vega seemingly owning the left-wing role, Lozano’s versatility could be key. He’s no stranger to the right, having played there extensively during his time at Napoli and in his formative years with Pachuca.

Aguirre’s Mexico has often lacked a winger capable of taking on defenders and driving to the byline, as well as an attacker who thrives on receiving the ball in space. Lozano, famed for his runs into open channels – epitomized by his iconic goal against Germany in the 2018 World Cup – offers a unique profile that could inject a new dimension into El Tri’s attack. If “El Chucky” can rediscover the scintillating form that made him one of Mexico’s most exciting talents, a third World Cup appearance next summer is well within his grasp.

Germán Berterame: A Striker’s Resurgence

Germán Berterame’s initial call-up to El Tri last October, for a friendly against Valencia, raised some eyebrows. The Argentina-born striker’s national team prospects seemed to dim following a dip in form at the start of the year. However, a stellar performance for Monterrey in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he netted three goals in their run to the last 16, marked a significant turnaround.

He has carried that momentum into the Liga MX Apertura 2025 season, scoring four goals in seven games, with Monterrey currently leading the standings. With veteran forwards Ángel Sepúlveda and Henry Martín sidelined by injury, Berterame has a golden opportunity to shine. AC Milan’s Santiago Giménez has struggled for consistency recently, opening a door for Berterame, particularly given his comfort playing outside the box and linking up with teammates – an area where Giménez still seeks improvement.

Should Berterame maintain his current trajectory, it’s not unreasonable to envision him as a strong contender to back up Raúl Jiménez next summer, adding crucial depth to Mexico’s attacking options.

Rodrigo Huescas: The Right-Back Race Heats Up

Perhaps no position in El Tri’s World Cup squad is as fiercely contested as right-back. During the Gold Cup, Israel Reyes, Julián Araújo, and Jorge Sánchez all had starts, yet none managed to firmly establish themselves as the undisputed first choice. This clear competition sets the stage perfectly for Rodrigo Huescas.

Huescas has been a revelation for FC Copenhagen this season, playing a pivotal role in securing their Champions League qualification just weeks ago. The 21-year-old has demonstrated his versatility and capability, excelling both in a traditional back four and as a wing-back in a back five. Despite only two senior caps for El Tri, his first start came in last year’s dominant 4-0 victory over Honduras in the Nations League quarterfinals – arguably Mexico’s finest performance under Aguirre.

Given the lack of a clear starter and the caliber of his competitors, Huescas possesses a very strong chance not only of making the World Cup roster but also of potentially starting in El Tri’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup. His rise represents a compelling narrative in Mexico’s quest for World Cup glory.

Roberto Casillas is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering Liga MX, the Mexican National Team & Latin American players in Europe. He is a die-hard Cruz Azul and Chelsea fan.