Mexico are set to play their first international fixtures since their World Cup last-16 exit against Brazil when they face Uruguay and the United States in September.
Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti, Mexico's interim manager, has called up just five players based in Europe. Otherwise, he's drawing on Liga MX-based talent with the majority of players who took part in the 2018 World Cup preferring to stay behind with their clubs.
The likes of Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Miguel Layun and Hector Moreno have opted to remain in Europe to earn more playing time with their club teams, which will give more opportunity to rising stars like Roberto Alvarado and Diego Lainez.
Ahead of next week's clash with their USMNT rivals, we round up El Tri's upcoming match schedule and their latest roster.
Mexico national team match schedule
| Date | Match | Time (UK / US ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 7 | Mexico v Uruguay | 2am / 9pm | Alamodome; San Antonio, TX |
| Sept. 11 | USMNT v Mexico | 1:30am / 8:30pm | Nissan Stadium; Nashville, TN |
Mexico national team roster*
| Position | Player | Club | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Guillermo Ochoa | Standard Liege | 95 |
| GK | Hugo Gonzalez | Necaxa | 0 |
| GK | Gibran Lajud | Tijuana | 0 |
| DF | Oswaldo Alanis | Real Oviedo | 22 |
| DF | Hugo Ayala | Tigres | 45 |
| DF | Edson Alvarez | America | 17 |
| DF | Jesus Gallardo | Monterrey | 27 |
| DF | Jose Abella | Santos Laguna | 0 |
| DF | Luis Rodriguez | Tigres | 6 |
| DF | Jesus Angulo | Santos Laguna | 0 |
| DF | Gerardo Arteaga | Santos Laguna | 0 |
| MF | Jonathan dos Santos | LA Galaxy | 37 |
| MF | Roberto Alvarado | Cruz Azul | 0 |
| MF | Diego Lainez | America | 0 |
| MF | Jonathan Gonzalez | Monterrey | 1 |
| MF | Orbelin Pineda | Chivas | 15 |
| MF | Victor Guzman | Pachuca | 0 |
| MF | Erick Aguirre | Pachuca | 0 |
| MF | Erick Gutierrez | Pachuca | 9 |
| MF | Elias Hernandez | Cruz Azul | 23 |
| FW | Hirving Lozano | PSV Eindhoven | 32 |
| FW | Raul Jimenez | Wolves | 65 |
| FW | Angel Zaldivar | Chivas | 1 |
*roster depicts anticipated squad ahead of September's friendlies.
Mexico national team jersey
Mexico's World Cup kit is a modern throwback to vintage jerseys of yesteryear – the green kits, white shorts and red socks a classic display of their El Tri colors.
It is a change from the previous Adidas shirts launched in 2015 that featured an all-black shirt in favor of the green one, but fans of El Tri would have been satisfied with the return to the traditional look for their Russia efforts with a new, yet retro, feel.
Mexico national team head coach candidates
Getty ImagesFollowing Juan Carlos Osorio's resignation as Mexico boss following their World Cup exit, El Tri are currently without a permanent head coach – with Ferretti filling in as interim manager.
Osorio recently was announced as Paraguay manager, and there is no obvious replacement to succeed him with El Tri.
Former Chivas manager Matias Almeyda was a lead candidate to take up the reins as new Mexico manager and is an available option after leaving the club this summer, following a successful reign where he won the league, Copa MX and CONCACAF Champions League.
The Argentine coach would have plenty of experience and knowledge in scouting the best young Mexican talent from his time at Chivas, who signs and fields only Mexican players, and could be a strong replacement for Osorio. However, the Liga MX owners are hoping for a different option to emerge - with Ferretti's interim stint seen as a chance to sway him from his current plan to carry out his contract with Tigres.
Miguel Herrera is an option already familiar to El Tri supporters, having coached the side for two years from 2013 to 2015 in what was a decent run-out.
He successfully led El Tri to the World Cup finals in Brazil in 2014 and guided them to a last-16 finish, and is currently manager of America.
Colombia manager Jose Pekerman may be another candidate to take over the reins of El Tri, after a strong show leading Colombia through the 2014 and 2018 World Cup tournaments. He is currently available after announcing his exit from the Colombian side following the finals in Russia this summer, and could be ready for a new challenge with El Tri.