Mexico Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of World Cup Opener Against South Africa
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, Mexico is facing a potentially daunting challenge due to the fitness of four key players ahead of their opening match against South Africa, scheduled for June 11. Coach Javier Aguirre recently expressed serious concerns regarding the well-being of these players, who have been grappling with various physical ailments in the lead-up to the tournament.
Despite having previously stated that he would not include any injured players in his squad, the extent of the injuries within the team has compelled Aguirre to reconsider his initial stance. The players in question include defender César Montes, midfielders Edson Álvarez and Luis Chávez, and forward Alexis Vega, all of whom are racing against time to recover from their respective injuries.
César Montes, who currently plays for Lokomotiv Moscow, featured briefly in Mexico’s recent friendly against Australia on May 31, but has since been dealing with ongoing muscle discomfort. Edson Álvarez, a standout player for Fenerbahçe, is struggling with an ankle issue. Meanwhile, Luis Chávez from Dinamo Moscow is contending with a ligament problem, and Alexis Vega from Toluca is managing a knee complaint that, while not sidelining him, necessitates cautious monitoring.
On the other side, South Africa’s only significant injury concern revolves around left-back Aubrey Modiba, who was unable to participate in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final due to a hamstring injury. Coach Hugo Broos remains optimistic about Modiba’s recovery in time for the critical match against Mexico.
