Mexico’s national football team has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming Copa America, and there are some notable exclusions. Guillermo Ochoa, Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano, and Raul Jimenez, who are considered stalwarts of the Mexican side, have been left out.
Ochoa, the 38-year-old goalkeeper and Mexico’s third-highest appearance-maker with 150 caps, captained the team in their recent defeat to the U.S. in the CONCACAF Nations League final. Lozano, a 28-year-old forward, also featured in that match. Their omission from the Copa America squad comes as a surprise given their involvement just a few months ago.
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 of last year. It seems that head coach Jaime Lozano and sporting director Duilio Davino are looking to prioritize the long-term development of the team rather than relying on experienced players who may be going through a rough patch.
Davino emphasized the importance of looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada. “We have our spot secured and we want to take advantage of this great opportunity to not think about the immediacy of the result and project our path to 2026,” he said. This suggests that the focus is on building a strong team for the future rather than solely chasing short-term success.
The average age of Mexico’s Copa America squad is 25, reflecting a youthful approach. Only three players, Edson Alvarez, Orbelin Pineda, and Uriel Antuna, have more than 50 caps. This decision to include younger players aligns with the team’s desire to rejuvenate and strengthen their national team in preparation for future tournaments.
It is worth noting that Mexico’s performance in the 2022 World Cup was disappointing as they were eliminated in the group stage. This led to a change in coaching staff, with Gerardo Martino stepping down and Diego Cocca taking over briefly before Lozano was appointed as head coach. The current focus on youth and long-term development could be seen as an attempt to address the team’s shortcomings and improve their chances in future competitions.
Despite their exclusion from the squad, Lozano showed his support for the young players who will be representing Mexico in the Copa America. In a statement on social media, he expressed his unwavering commitment to the national team, saying, “Whether I’m on the pitch or supporting from the sidelines, I have my national team jersey tattooed on me like a second skin.” His words of encouragement demonstrate the unity and camaraderie within the Mexican team, even in the face of individual disappointments.
Mexico’s first group game in the Copa America is scheduled for June 22 against Jamaica. They will then face Venezuela on June 26 and Ecuador four days later. The young squad will have an opportunity to prove themselves on a big stage and showcase their potential.
In conclusion, Mexico’s decision to leave out experienced players like Ochoa, Lozano, and Jimenez from their Copa America squad reflects a strategic focus on long-term development and building a strong team for the future. The inclusion of younger players with fewer caps emphasizes the desire to rejuvenate the national team following their disappointing World Cup campaign. This approach, coupled with the support and unity within the team, sets the stage for an exciting and potentially promising Copa America campaign for Mexico.