Érik Lira is on the pre-list of the Mexican team for the 2026 World Cup. The Cruz Azul defender is among the 55 players who will evaluate Javier Aguirre for the World Cup. Israel López, former El Tri player, considers that Lira has the conditions to be a starter in the World Cup.

Israel López knows closely the football development of Érik Lira. The defender of “The Machine” is one of the best valued pieces of all Mexican football. López considers that Lira must enter the “Vasco” final list. In addition, the ex-footballer believes that Lira has the capabilities to play starting in the World Cup and make the jump to Europe.

“I'm very happy to see him succeed and, without a doubt, I believe that he has the level to reach Europe and be a starter for the Mexican team in the World Cup. He's dynamic, shows commitment,and professional lism, and represents the spirit and claw of the Pumas players. Having been part of their process, along with other technicians, gives me a lot of pride,” said López in an interview with Récord.

Israel López is a voice able to talk about Erik Lira's football development. López had the opportunity to know erlo since he was a youth. The former El Tri player highlighted the mentality of that young man trained in the Pumas of UNAM.

“I met Erik Lira when I was 15 years old, when joined Pumas and started managing him in different categories: U-15, U-17, U-20 and later in the first division. It's satisfactory tory see how he evolved in football and personally. He was always a dedicated and exemplary young man; many times he was my captain for his leadership and good qualities," he recalled.

Erik Lira to 22 games with the El Tri jersey. The Cruz Azul defender has been on the field for 1,419 minutes. Lira has seen action in the last 8 games of the Mexican team.

Numbers of Érik Lira in the Closing 2026