México - Islandia: How Javier Aguirre’s final audition reshapes his World Cup plan

Why this matters now: the México - Islandia friendly at Estadio Corregidora functioned as Javier Aguirre’s last full audition before the March FIFA window, and it alters selection math ahead of fixtures against Portugal and Belgium. Aguirre leaves with a cluster of resolved positions, a handful of candidates who boosted their chances, and a shortlist of items that still need confirmation before the World Cup 2026 roster is finalized.

Consequences for the squad: clearer choices, remaining questions

Experts from Futbol Picante produced a set of approvals and failures after the match, and those judgments reflect how this outing changes immediate plans. Aguirre expects to have roughly 90 percent of the players who will go to the World Cup available for the March window; the Corregidora performance therefore operates as a pivot point rather than an isolated result. Here’s the part that matters: the match pushed some long-standing dilemmas closer to resolution while exposing at least one spot that still needs proof.

México - Islandia: what unfolded at Estadio Corregidora and who moved up

Javier Aguirre used the game as his final casting call. Armando “Hormiga” González seized a last chance — after no goals in earlier matches versus Paraguay, Panama and Bolivia he took control of the attack against Islandia, setting up a goal for Richy Ledezma and then scoring himself. That sequence puts him in direct competition with Germán Berterame for a World Cup berth. The situation is further complicated by an unresolved detail about Santi Gimenez of Milan; the stadium status for Gimenez is unclear in the provided context, which leaves room for selection movement.

Jesús Gallardo solidified the left-back role in this match. The Toluca player, preparing for what will be his last World Cup at age 31, dominated his flank and scored at the Corregidora. He remains the clear occupant of that slot while younger Mateo Chávez, playing in the Netherlands, represents an oncoming challenge.

Fullback options and right-side progress

Aguirre appears to be finding solutions on the right. A mexicoamericano right back from Chivas has now reached three appearances with the national team and already has a goal, overcoming early hesitation about committing to Mexico and demonstrating the talent to be considered for the World Cup. At the start of the year that sector was a problem area; after the Corregidora match Aguirre has at least two practical options: the Chivas player and Julián Araujo, who is accumulating minutes in Scotland.

Midfield lift and defensive injuries altering the calculus

Erik Lira raised his hand through steady work as a holding midfielder; his prospects grew even more because Edson Álvarez suffered an injury that required surgical intervention. The Cruz Azul midfielder now looks closer to joining the coach’s plans, as injuries shift immediate depth-charts and open minutes for contenders.

• Armando González assisted and scored, boosting his World Cup candidacy.
• Richy Ledezma explained a passport-related delay in choosing Mexico and highlighted his own strong performance against Islandia.
• Jesús Gallardo occupies left back for now and scored at Corregidora; Mateo Chávez remains a competing option from the Netherlands.
• Right-back depth improved: the Chivas player’s form plus Julián Araujo’s minutes in Scotland give Aguirre choices.

Goalkeeper picture and remaining tests

Raúl Rangel started a third consecutive match in goal but drew pointed critique from Aguirre in the post-game conference. While the ‘Tala’ has gained the coach’s trust, Aguirre noted that Rangel still faces at least five tests before the World Cup to prove he is superior to Luis Ángel Malagón and Guillermo Ochoa, with Ochoa set to return for March. Aguirre said he had spoken with the goalkeeping coach and identified two decision-making issues he did not like; despite that, he described the position as the one he feels most calm about.

It’s easy to overlook that this match was framed as a selection exercise as much as a friendly. The bigger signal here is that the Corregidora outing narrowed choices in several areas but left others contingent on upcoming windows and fitness developments.

Writer's aside: the coach’s language about players "raising their hand" captures a pragmatic approach — Aguirre is weighing momentum and availability tightly, not just reputation.

All facts in this piece are drawn from the match summary and post-match assessments; some roster details remain unsettled and may evolve ahead of the March fixtures and the World Cup 2026 selection process.