Santiago Giménez, Raúl Jiménez hope to lead Javier Aguirre's El Tri to the elusive fifth game: Way-too-early Mexico roster for the 2026 World Cup

It seems that the goalkeeper position for the Mexican National Team is already decided. At 28, América's Luis Ángel Malagón secured the undisputed starting role under Aguirre for Nations League, a squad that didn’t even include Guillermo Ochoa.

Next year, Ochoa will aim to break the record for most World Cups played - six - and while Aguirre is likely to include him in the squad to achieve this milestone, will he be able to regain his No. 1 spot?

The battle for the third goalkeeper spot in the squad will be between Raúl Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos), and Alex Padilla, the Athletic Club keeper on loan at Pumas.

Aguirre seems to have his center-back pairing set: César Montes and Johan Vásquez, both bringing European experience and forming a reliable duo.

Adding to the defense is Rodrigo Huescas, who has impressed at Copenhagen and can provide dynamism in the backline.

The full-back positions are still up for debate, but Jesús Gallardo and Israel Reyes performed well in the Nations League. América's defender Ramón Juárez, at 23, will head into the 2026 World Cup with more maturity and experience.

With his development, Aguirre has a solid and reliable defensive unit for the tournament, which will be held in Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Mexico’s midfield boasts high-caliber names, led by Edson Álvarez, a key figure for West Ham and the El Tri captain. Luis Romo could partner with Álvarez in the center, and together, they have 143 caps for El Tri, bringing the experience Aguirre values.

Additionally, Luis Chávez and Erik Lira play crucial but often under-appreciated roles for both their clubs and the national team. Carlos Rodríguez of Cruz Azul has been a regular call-up, though with limited playing time, making him a likely backup option.

One notable absence from the recent squad was Erick Sánchez of América, but if he maintains his strong form, he could push for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico looks set to have a promising attack for the 2026 World Cup, led by Nations League MVP Raúl Jiménez. Aguirre opted for a two-striker formation in the Nations League, and it paid off. Giménez will arrive at his first World Cup with more maturity and, if all goes well, as a key player for AC Milan.

On the wings, César Huerta from Anderlecht and Roberto Alvarado will be crucial weapons for Mexico’s flank play. Meanwhile, Orbelín Pineda and Julián Quiñones are two players who excel at playing behind the striker, adding dynamism to the attack.

Another name to watch is Alexis Vega from Toluca FC, who has rediscovered his best form. However, it remains to be seen if he can maintain his level over the next year.

Piece that all together, this is how the Mexican National Team could look for the 2026 World Cup in their quest to reach the "quinto partido" - the elusive fifth game - for the first time since 1986.

Goalkeepers: Luis Ángel Malagón, Raúl Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa

Defenders: Jesús Gallardo, Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Ramón Juárez, Jesús Orozco, Kevin Álvarez, Rodrigo Huescas

Midfielders: Edson Álvarez (C), Luis Romo, Erik Lira, César Huerta, Luis Chávez, Orbelín Pineda, Roberto Alvarado

Attackers: Raúl Jiménez, Santiago Giménez, Julián Quiñones, Hirving Lozano, Alexis Vega