Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano Excluded From Mexico's Preliminary World Cup Roster

Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano was excluded from Mexico's preliminary roster for the 2026 World Cup, as announced by national team manager Javier Aguirre. The 55-man preliminary lineup, revealed on May 13, 2026, featured standout players like Fulham's Raul Jimenez, Fenerbahçe's Edson Alvarez, and veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who aims for his sixth World Cup appearance. The final roster will be narrowed down to 26 players by June 1, ahead of Mexico's opening game against South Africa at the Estadio Banorte on June 11.

Lozano's exclusion stemmed from a lack of consistent playing time and reported disciplinary issues with San Diego FC. Aguirre had previously emphasized that players must have regular match play to be considered for selection, which Lozano did not meet after losing favor with his club earlier in the year. Although Lozano started the season well, his relationship with the club soured after an October incident with head coach Mikey Varas, with his last appearance being a substitute in San Diego's playoff loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Mexico faces additional challenges with injuries to key players. Rodrigo Huescas remains sidelined as he recovers from an ACL injury sustained during a Champions League match in late 2025. Other injured players missing from the preliminary list include Cruz Azul's Jesús ‘Chiquete’ Orozco and Club América's Luis Ángel Malagón. However, Aguirre included several players returning from injuries, like Dynamo Moscow's Luis Chávez and Celtic's Julián Araujo, and has called up six goalkeepers, including José Antonio Rodríguez and Carlos Moreno, to strengthen the squad’s depth.

In a shift towards inclusivity, Aguirre's roster also highlights an increase in naturalized players and dual nationals, featuring Inter Miami's Germán Berterame, Al-Qadsiah’s Julián Quiñones, and Real Betis' Álvaro Fidalgo. This group consists largely of talents who have excelled in Liga MX, with Fidalgo expected to play a pivotal role in midfield. Additionally, several Mexican-American players, such as Chivas' Brian Gutiérrez and Atlético Madrid's Obed Vargas, were included as prospects.

Moreover, the Mexican Football Federation has recently threatened to exclude any Liga MX player who does not report for national duty, establishing a firm stance on attendance. This ultimatum followed concerns when two Toluca players remained with their club instead of joining the pre-World Cup training camp, prompting the federation to call a press conference on May 6. Aguirre reiterated the necessity of compliance: "Whoever doesn't come will be out of the World Cup. That is something we cannot be flexible about."

In preparation for the World Cup, Aguirre's squad will play exhibition matches against Ghana on May 22, Australia on May 30, and Serbia on June 4. Following these games, Mexico opens the World Cup against South Africa on June 11, followed by matches against South Korea on June 18 and Czechia on June 24.