Mexico has issued an ultimatum to Liga MX-based players named to its pre-World Cup training camp: Show up or forget about going to the World Cup.
“As was published Tuesday April 28, 2026, the Mexico national team camp for three preparation matches against Ghana, Australia, Serbia and the World Cup will begin this Wednesday, May 6 at 20:00 (8 p.m.) with the 20 players from Liga MX selected by manager Javier Aguirre,” a Mexico national team statement read on Wednesday, May 6.
“All players must report to the Centro de Alto Rendimiento in Mexico City. By instructions from the coaching staff, the player who does not go to the camp today will be out of the World Cup.”
Aguirre reiterated the decision as he gave a statement to the press in Mexico City later on Wednesday.
“All of the selected players are scheduled to be eating all together at 8 at night,” the manager said. “As you’ll know, the release is very clear. Whoever doesn’t come will be out of the World Cup. It’s something that we can’t be flexible on.”
Why is Mexico threatening to drop players from World Cup?
Owners from clubs based in Mexico agreed to release players after the regular season ended April 26, even with the Liguilla — Liga MX’s playoff tournament — beginning May 2 and running through May 24.
FIFA requirements are for World Cup players to be released by May 25, except for finalists in continental championships who will join their national teams after matches on May 30.
The idea, however, was for Aguirre to work with his domestic-based players for several weeks to give El Tri an edge heading into the home World Cup.
But the plan started to show some cracks as club owners and directors watched players miss important matches.
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Media reports in Mexico this week indicated that Toluca players Alexis Vega and Jesus Gallardo would be allowed to play their club’s Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal second leg against LAFC on Wednesday, May 6, and report to Mexico camp a day late.
This rubbed many owners the wrong way, with the first-leg matches of the Liga MX quarterfinals already having taken place without the players — who are required by FIFA to have a rest period between the end of the season and the start of camp.
That most heavily affected Chivas, who fell 3-1 to Tigres without star forward Armando “Hormiga” Gonzalez, first-choice goalkeeper Raul “Tala” Rangel, starting attackers Roberto Alvarado and Brian Gutierrez, plus midfielder Luis Romo.
Chivas owner Amaury Vergara said he would have his players return to the club, perhaps with an eye on requesting their release for the second leg of the quarterfinal series on Saturday, May 9.
“Agreements are valid only when respected by all parties,” Vergara posted on X shortly after midnight Guadalajara time. “I instructed the sporting directors that our players should report tomorrow to the club’s facilities.”
Gonzalez was spotted entering Chivas facilities on Wednesday, though he and his teammates would be able to make the deadline for dinner even if they opted to drive rather than take a plane from Guadalajara to Mexico City.
Will Chivas’ players play for the Mexico national team at the World Cup?
The Guadalajara club released a statement later in the day that read in part, “We have become aware that the agreements made months back will be respected after the position broadcast by the president of Club Deportivo Guadalajara.
“At Chivas, we respect the wishes of our players to represent Mexico in the 2026 World Cup and in no way will be a factor that cuts short that chance, which is why they will arrive to the camp on time and in form.”
Aguirre specifically thanked Toluca and Chivas during his statement, recognizing the sacrifice of Toluca missing players in a continental tournament and Chivas being the most heavily affected. He insisted, however, the World Cup “starts today” for Mexico, and that he had the support of everyone involved when it came to the early camp.
“I want to show my face. I’m here to explain that, well, it’s a unique project and we’re working on it. There hasn’t been anything extraordinary,” Aguirre said. “Everything is according to the plan, with the great support of everyone: the fans … the players, directors, the press, everyone is in the same boat, and I think it’s important to say that to you.”
Mexico plays Ghana in a May 22 friendly match in Puebla before a May 30 date with Australia in Pasadena, California and a “send-off” game against Serbia on June 4 in Toluca. Aguirre said the federation is working with the clubs of players based abroad to secure early releases and have them playing in the Ghana game as well.
El Tri opens its World Cup in the historic Estadio Azteca on June 11 with a match against South Africa before facing Korea and Czech Republic to round out the group stage.
This story has been updated.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mexico threatens players with World Cup roster omission as Toluca, Chivas consider options
