Mexico’s preliminary roster for the upcoming Copa América tournament excludes high-profile veteran players like Guillermo Ochoa, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, Raúl Jiménez, and Henry Martín. Instead, the squad highlights a generational change within the national team, as it includes 10 players aged 23 or younger. Head coach Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano emphasized the presence of young talent during a recent news conference, stating, “Here you see many new faces, here you see many young people.”
Sporting Director Duilio Davino reiterated the team’s focus on the future, particularly the 2026 World Cup. Despite the importance of the Copa América tournament, Davino made it clear that Lozano’s project for the national team extends beyond this summer’s competition. He expressed confidence in Lozano’s leadership, stating, “Jaime Lozano is the coach we trust to lead us at the World Cup.”
Before kicking off their Copa América campaign, Mexico will participate in a series of friendlies in the United States. The team is set to face Bolivia on May 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago, followed by matches against Uruguay on June 5 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, and Brazil on June 8 at Texas A&M in College Station. These friendlies will serve as vital preparation for the national team ahead of the tournament.
Mexico has been drawn into Group B for the Copa América, where they will compete against Jamaica, Venezuela, and Ecuador. The group stage matches are scheduled to take place in different cities across the United States, with Mexico facing Jamaica on June 22 at NRG Stadium in Houston, followed by games against Venezuela on June 26 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and Ecuador on June 30 at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix.
The 31-man preliminary roster for Mexico’s Copa América campaign features a mix of young talent and experienced players. Among the notable selections are defenders Israel Reyes, Jorge Sanchez, and Cesar Montes, as well as midfielders Edson Alvarez, Orbelin Pineda, and Roberto Alvarado. The forward line includes promising talents like Santiago Gimenez, Alexis Vega, and Diego Lainez.
Mexico’s decision to prioritize youth and long-term development in their Copa América roster reflects a strategic shift towards building a competitive team for future international competitions. While the absence of seasoned veterans may raise eyebrows, the inclusion of talented young players highlights the national team’s commitment to sustainable success on the global stage. With an eye towards the 2026 World Cup, Mexico’s Copa América journey serves as a stepping stone in the ongoing evolution of their football program.
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