Once Ecuador has been defined as Mexico's rival in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup next Tuesday at the Mexico City Stadium, coach Javier Aguirre has taken on the task of defining the starting eleven, where the candidates to play are Israel Reyes, Edson Álvarez and Brian Gutiérrez.

These three players would start in Jorge Sánchez's place in the right sector of the Mexican defense, Edson Álvarez would remain in the midfield with the incorporation of Erik Lira and the doubts of Brian Gutiérrez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Gilberto Mora or Obed Vargas.

These movements are part of the options that are being handled to try to nullify the Ecuadorians and although it is not the last word, the Aztec formation would be with Raúl “Tala” Rangel in goal; Israel Reyes, Edson Álvarez, Johan Vázquez and Jesús Gallardo at the back; Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo and Brian Gutiérrez in midfield and forward Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones.

The options

There are 72 hours left until the duel and Aguirre in goal has no doubts with Raúl “Tala” Rangel, while in defense the presence of Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vázquez and Jesús Gallardo is guaranteed.

One of the most anticipated changes is the return of Johan Vásquez to the center. The defender, who has shown great level in the tournament, would be a starter. However, Aguirre still has an important question: Israel Reyes or Jorge Sánchez?

The two have played, but at this moment Aguirre seeks to give solidity to the risk zone to try to nullify the explosive offensive of the Ecuadorians and for that he will surely use Israel Reyes and Jesús Gallardo on the wings.

While in the midfield, in theory, the return of Erik Lira is guaranteed, while it is being analyzed whether Álvaro Fidalgo, Luis Romo, Gilberto Mora, Obed Vargas and Brian Gutiérrez complete this area where much of the match will be defined.

Finally, no changes are expected in the attack, so Julián Quiñones, Roberto Alvarado and Raúl Jiménez would continue to be the starting offensive triad. The trident has worked well and Aguirre is confident in its ability to generate danger.

Ecuador would arrive in CDMX on Monday

Ecuador, for now, plans to travel on Monday from the city of Ohio to Mexico City to concentrate for the game against Mexico, trying to alleviate as much as possible the inconveniences and pressure of being at the headquarters of one of the host countries of the World Cup.