Predicted Mexico XI at the 2026 World Cup

Mexico are one of the three host nations at this year’s World Cup, alongside USA and Canada – as such, all eyes will be on El Tricolour when they take on South Africa in the inaugural game of the tournament.

But how will they line up? Today, we’ll give our predictions as to how Mexico’s first XI might look at the 2026 World Cup. We have included players from Celtic, Fulham and the Saudi Pro League – who were your picks?

GK: Raul Rangel

For the first time in 20 years, Mexico’s number one spot is up for grabs. For years, this position had been held down by Guillermo Ochoa – but at 40 years of age, it’s time for him to pass the baton onto the younger generation.

Of the possible replacements, Raul Rangel is probably the best option. He has featured between the sticks more than anyone else for Mexico over the last year – they will need someone with international experience to command the backline.

RB: Julian Araujo

Currently on loan from Premier League club Bournemouth, Celtic star Julian Araujo has immediately slotted in as the Celts’ first-choice right-back.

As such, he’s likely to be Mexico’s main right-back, too. He has made eight appearances for Celtic so far this season in the Scottish Premiership, racking up a solitary assist along the way.

CB: Johan Vasquez

Johan Vasquez has become a mainstay of Mexico’s starting XI as of late – as their tertiary captain, it seems pretty clear that he’ll have a part to play in their first XI.

Vasquez has played in all 26 Serie A games for Genoa this season – as club captain, his authoritative presence will be vital towards Mexico’s defensive success.

CB: Cesar Montes

Alongside Vasquez is Cesar Montes, who is Mexico’s vice-captain. Like Vasquez, he is a reliable, no-nonsense centre-back who defends his area ferociously.

With 64 international caps to his name, Montes is one of the longest-serving current members of the Mexico squad.

LB: Jesus Gallardo

We’re sticking with experience to finish off Mexico’s defensive line. Jesus Gallardo has a mammoth amount of 116 caps for El Tricolour – ahead of such an occasion, his veteran instincts will be like gold dust.

Gallardo has never played club football outside of Mexico, even at youth level – he currently plays for Toluca, having previously represented Monterrey and UNAM.

DM: Edson Alvarez

Former West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez is Mexico’s current team captain. As such, his placement in the team appears to be a lock as things stand.

While he failed to set the world on fire at the London Stadium, his aggressive attitude and limitless stamina will make him an invaluable member of Javier Aguirre’s squad.

CM: Orbelin Pineda

While Alvares will be on hand to provide the brawn in midfield, Orbelin Pineda can bring the brains. A phenomenal passer of the ball, he can control the game and dictate the tempo when necessary.

Pineda currently plays for AEK Athens in the Greek Super League – so far this season, he has score four goals and has notched up a solitary assist.

CM: Marcel Ruiz

Marcel Ruiz completes the midfield trio – as the youngest of the bunch, he’ll be expected to press high up the pitch and harangue opposition defenders.

While he often functions as a defensive midfielder, this will be to his benefit as a central midfielder – he should be able to win the ball in advanced positions and create favourable turnovers in possession.

RW: Roberto Alvarado

Roberto Alvarado won his first Mexico cap when he was just 19 years of age – eight years later, he is now an establish part of the national setup.

He might contend with Hirving Lozano, but Lozano is still out of favour with head coach Javier Aguirre for comments he made on the squad in 2024.

LW: Julian Quinones

Out of all the attacking players in Mexico’s proposed 2026 World Cup squad, none of them have a contemporary scoring record as impressive as Julian Quinones’. With 22 goals in 20 Saudi Pro League games, only Ivan Toney has scored more than him in Saudi Arabia’s top division this season.

He’s a natural centre-forward, but he is more than capable of functioning on either wing. As he’s right footed, we stuck him on the left to allow him to cut inside and rattle off shots.

ST: Raul Jimenez

Raul Jimenez is flying under the radar this season. With eight goals and three assists over the course of 26 Premier League games for Fulham, he cannot be overlooked for much longer.

Some may feel that Santiago Gimenez is more deserving of this spot, but we went with Jimenez on account of Gimenez’s current injury issues.