'The club that gave me everything' - Chucky Lozano says he's open to playing in the Club World Cup with Pachuca, but prioritizes Gold Cup with Mexico

Hirving “Chucky” Lozano hasn’t ruled out a potential reunion with Pachuca this summer, as the Mexican side prepares to compete in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. Currently playing for San Diego FC in the MLS, the Mexican winger made it clear that if his club allows it, he’d gladly don the jersey of the team where his professional journey began.

“For me, the most important thing is to speak with my current club. If they’re supportive, I’d be happy to go,” Lozano said of playing in the CWC. “But if not, I’ll stay focused on my responsibilities here, keep improving, and be ready for the matches we have coming up.”

The 2025 edition of the Club World Cup marks a historic shift, featuring 32 teams with group stages and knockout rounds. As part of the updated rules, each participating club is allowed to reinforce their squad with up to six additional players. This opens the door for in-form stars such as Lozano, James Rodríguez, and Alexis Vega - whose clubs didn’t qualify - to potentially join competing teams as reinforcements.

Lozano’s emotional connection to Pachuca remains strong. It’s where he took his first steps as a professional footballer, and the idea of returning, even temporarily, holds sentimental value.

“It’s the club that gave me everything,” he’s said in the past.

Still, despite the allure of returning to his roots, Lozano’s main objective this summer lies with El Tri. He hopes to be included in Mexico’s squad for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, a tournament he values.

“Honestly, either opportunity would be incredible,” he admitted. “But I’ve always dreamed of wearing the national team jersey. If I’m called up to the Gold Cup, I’ll be thrilled. And if not, and Pachuca gives me a shot at the Club World Cup, I’d embrace it with the same passion.”

The San Diego FC forward didn’t hide his disappointment over being left out of Mexico’s squad for the 2024 Copa América, a decision made under current national team manager Jaime Lozano.

"Honestly, I didn’t like not being called up for the Copa América,” Chucky admitted. “At that time, just a year ago, I had won the league in Italy, then moved to the Netherlands and won the league there too. I’m the only Mexican player to be a champion in different European countries. So, tell me - how could I not be upset about missing that tournament?”

Lozano last featured for the Mexican national team in March 2024 during the CONCACAF Nations League. He came off the bench in the semifinal against Panama and started in the final, playing all 90 minutes in the loss to the United States. Since then, the winger has been absent from El Tri’s setup, missing a total of 11 matches - six international friendlies, all three group stage games of the 2024 Copa América, and the Nations League quarterfinals.

Despite that recent gap, Lozano remains a key figure in the national team’s recent history. Over the course of his international career, he has earned 70 caps and scored 18 goals.