Mexico news

Mexican football has been plunged into a state of uncertainty following the news that several high-profile fixtures have been postponed due to a major security crisis. The decision to call off the matches came swiftly after the Mexican army killed the leader of one of the country's most powerful drug cartels in a town situated just two hours from Guadalajara, a key host city for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The death of the high-ranking figure has sparked immediate concerns over public safety across multiple states.

The Mexico National Team announced its official roster for the friendly match against Iceland, which will be played on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Estadio Corregidora in the city of Querétaro. Once again, Chivas is the club contributing the most players to the squad, with seven representatives. The players selected by head coach Javier Aguirre must report starting Sunday.

Bryan Lozano publicly criticized his brother Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, accusing the Mexican winger of arrogance and repeated conflicts with coaches at Napoli, PSV and now San Diego FC. The remarks come at a delicate moment in Hirving Lozano’s career, with uncertainty surrounding his role in MLS and growing questions about his future ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico have announced three additional friendlies against Australia, Ghana, and Serbia as part of their final preparations for the 2026 World Cup. El Tri will open the tournament on June 11 against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. The matches are designed to limit travel and fine-tune the squad before the global showcase on home soil.

With just weeks until Mexico face Portugal in a high-profile friendly, Portuguese media report growing concern over renovation delays at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, now renamed Estadio Banorte. While organizers insist the venue will be ready for March 28, uncertainty has sparked speculation about a potential change of site for the match - and even future World Cup fixtures.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series to mark the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we travel to Mexico, the only country to host three World Cups. From Pele’s triumph in 1970 to Diego Maradona’s magic in 1986, and now to the celebration set for 2026, it’s the story of a nation where football is not just played, but lived; a land of goals, history, and unending passion.

With the World Cup just five months away, GOAL takes a look at how El Tri’s squad could shape up next summer.

Obed Vargas is set for a major step forward, leaving the Seattle Sounders to join Atlético Madrid. While several LaLiga clubs had expressed interest in a potential loan move, Atlético plan to keep the 20-year-old midfielder in Madrid, where he is expected to join the first team. Vargas impressed as a homegrown player for Seattle, making 91 appearances.

Mexican striker Julián Quiñones continues his red-hot run in the Saudi Pro League, scoring his 17th goal of the season in Al-Qadsiah’s draw against league leaders Al-Hilal. His powerful header in the 76th minute extended his scoring streak to eight straight matches and temporarily lifted him above Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race.

Mexico wrapped up their first short preparation tour of 2026 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bolivia, giving manager Javier Aguirre two victories from two matches using an all–Liga MX squad. Playing in extreme heat and hostile conditions, El Tri faced a physical Bolivian side that pushed them to the limit before Germán Berterame delivered the decisive moment.