Liga MX’s Jornada 13 Kicks Off Final Race for Aguirre’s World Cup Squad

The start of Jornada 13 in Liga MX marks a decisive phase for players seeking spots in Javier Aguirre’s World Cup squad. With five regular-season dates remaining, this window is the last live audition before the final concentration.

Timeline and stakes

The final training camp opens May 6 at the CAR. After that date, Liga MX and the CONCACAF Champions Cup proceed without selected internationals.

Aguirre used more than 80 players since July 2024 in this cycle. He must trim that list to 26 for the 2026 World Cup.

Tests against top opponents

The friendlies with Portugal and Belgium served as high-level evaluations. Those matches clarified who sits inside the competitive core.

Coach Aguirre praised the team’s attitude and said the fixtures confirmed his scouting method. The coach values performance in demanding contexts.

European backbone

Most of the spine comes from European clubs. Key names are:

• Santiago Giménez
• Raúl Jiménez
• Edson Álvarez
• Johan Vásquez
• César Montes
• Jorge Sánchez
• Orbelín Pineda

Local contenders

Several Liga MX players are fighting for remaining spots. Some have closed the gap during the recent international window.

Standouts include Erik Lira, Brian Gutiérrez, Roberto Alvarado, Armando González, and Alexis Vega. Each brings different tactical options.

Midfield and rotation

The midfield is densely packed with candidates. Luis Romo, Luis Chávez, Marcel Ruiz, and youngsters such as Gilberto Mora press for minutes.

Injuries complicate selections. Recovery status will influence final choices ahead of the Ghana and Australia friendlies in May.

Defensive picture

Central defence appears settled. Johan Vásquez and César Montes are seen as locks by staff.

Left-back advantage lies with Jesús Gallardo. On the right, Israel Reyes remains in rotation while Jorge Sánchez pushes for minutes.

Goalkeeper battle

Raúl “Tala” Rangel started against Portugal and Belgium and impressed with composure. Guillermo Ochoa and Carlos Acevedo remain in the mix despite not playing.

Those three currently project as the primary goalkeeper options for the final list.

Attacking competition

Santiago Giménez has returned to fitness and remains central to attack plans. Raúl Jiménez keeps his leadership role up front.

Secondary spots are contested by Germán Berterame, Julián Quiñones, César Huerta, and Armando González. Guillermo Martínez’s absence from recent windows weakens his case.

Who fell behind

Some players saw their chances diminish after the European tests. Denzell García, for example, had no minutes and faces long odds.

Others remain hopeful and will seek to change perceptions in the final five Liga MX fixtures.

Next steps and schedule

After Jornada 13, five league dates will determine last impressions. Aguirre will use performances to shape the final call-up for three friendlies.

Mexico faces Ghana and Australia in May and Serbia in June before the coach finalizes the World Cup roster.

Coverage and analysis of the closing stage will continue at Filmogaz.com as Liga MX’s Jornada 13 unfolds and the final race for places intensifies.