With less than 90 days to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the host countries has suffered a setback. Luis Malagón, goalkeeper for the Mexican national team, has suffered an Achilles tendon injury and will be out of the tournament.
The América goalkeeper’s name appeared on Javier Aguirre‘s list of players called up, along with Raúl Rangel and Carlos Acevedo. Now, the coach will have to thoroughly analyze all his options to cover the goal.
What options does Javier Aguirre have?
On Tuesday, March 10, it was revealed that Malagón had suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury in the Concacaf Champions League match between América and Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union.
Unfortunately, this injury will keep him off the field for 6 to 9 months, meaning he will miss not only his commitments with América, such as the Concachampions and the 2026 Clausura, but also the World Cup.
With the need to find another goalkeeper to defend Mexico in the friendlies leading up to the tournament and, of course, during the World Cup, where they will be hosts and will open Group A play on June 11 in a match against South Africa, several names are being mentioned as possible candidates.
On the first FIFA date, Guillermo Ochoa has been called up to be the goalkeeper for “El Tri” and is projected as a possibility. “Memo” has participated in five World Cups and has vast experience with the national team. Rodolfo Cota could also contribute veteran experience and leadership. Currently with América, Cota stepped in after Malagón’s injury and has recent playing time.
On the other hand, if the goal is to bring in a new generation, other names could be in the mix.
One of the favorites to fill the spot as third goalkeeper is Carlos Acevedo of Santos Laguna, known for his agility and reflexes and a constant in Aguirre’s call-ups. Raúl Rangel is a starter with Chivas and has been a starter in Mexico’s last three games, giving him experience in national and international tournaments.
Andrés Sánchez is also a possibility. The Atlético San Luis goalkeeper has shown confidence and consistency in goal under Aguirre’s watchful eye. Another option could be Andrés Gudiño, currently Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper, who has sent his support to Malagón. He has been considered in different cycles of the senior national team and stands out for his ability in pressure situations.
Finally, although he has had few call-ups to El Tri, Carlos Moreno participated in the last Nations League and could also be one of Mexico’s candidates. Alex Padilla plays for Athletic Bilbao and, although he did not have a good spell in Liga MX, he has had minutes in the Copa del Rey and is liked by Aguirre. Fernando Tapia of America Sub-23 and Luis García of Toluca are other possible candidates.
Thus, although they would have preferred not to lose their starting goalkeeper, fortunately Aguirre’s team has quality options to face the challenge.
The Mexican national team’s remaining matches before the 2026 World Cup:
- Mexico vs. Portugal: March 28 at Azteca Stadium
- Mexico vs Belgium: March 31 at Soldier Field, Chicago
- Mexico vs Ghana: May 22 at Estadio Cuauhtémoc
- Mexico vs Australia: May 30 at the Rose Bowl, California
- Mexico vs Serbia: June 4 in Puebla.
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