Mexico’s national team has announced its 31-man preliminary squad for the upcoming Copa America, and it includes some notable omissions. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, forward Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano, and striker Raul Jimenez have all been left out of the squad.
Ochoa, who has made 150 appearances for Mexico, captained the side in their recent defeat to the U.S. in the CONCACAF Nations League final. Lozano, who has been in fine form for PSV with six goals and three assists this season, also featured in that game. However, their absence from the Copa America squad suggests that head coach Jaime Lozano is looking to build a younger team for the future.
Jimenez, on the other hand, has struggled with form and injury this season, leading to reduced playing time at Fulham. His last call-up to the national team was in November, and it seems that his lack of game time has cost him a place in the squad.
Mexico’s sporting director, Duilo Davino, emphasized the importance of looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup. He stated that the team has already secured its spot in the tournament and wants to take advantage of this opportunity to focus on long-term development rather than immediate results.
The average age of Mexico’s Copa America squad is 25, highlighting the emphasis on youth. The midfield trio of Edson Alvarez, Orbelin Pineda, and Uriel Antuna are the only players with more than 50 caps. This young squad will be looking to make amends for their disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
Jaime Lozano, who took over as head coach after Gerardo Martino’s departure, expressed his desire to build a strong national team for the future. He believes that having a range of players is crucial in order to have the strongest possible team by the time the 2026 World Cup arrives.
Despite being left out of the squad, Lozano showed his support for the young players who will be representing Mexico at the Copa America. In a statement on social media, he expressed his love for the national team and encouraged the squad to perform well and raise Mexico’s name high.
Mexico’s preliminary squad will need to be trimmed down before the tournament begins, with their first group game scheduled for June 22 against Jamaica. They will also face Venezuela and Ecuador in the group stage.
Overall, Mexico’s decision to leave out experienced players like Ochoa, Lozano, and Jimenez suggests a shift towards building a younger and more dynamic team. With the 2026 World Cup in mind, the focus is on long-term development and creating a strong foundation for future success. The Copa America will serve as a platform for these young players to prove themselves on an international stage and showcase Mexico’s potential.