The “rematch” will be in 2026: the 12 El Tri footballers who repeat after Qatar
Mexico was eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Up to 12 players will have the opportunity to redeem themselves in the 2026 World Cup
On June 11, Mexico will begin its path to the 2026 World Cup at the Azteca Stadium. El Tri will try to leave behind the ghosts of Qatar 2022 with the support of its fans. Up to 12 players called up by “Vasco” experienced the bitter outcome in Qatar.
The Mexico coach in that World Cup was Gerardo “Tata” Martino. The Argentine strategist did not have a good end to the cycle in the Mexican team. El Tri was paired in Group C with the teams of Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Poland.
Mexico's first duel was against Robert Lewandowski's team. Poland and El Tri did not hurt each other with a 0-0. The second duel was against Argentina. The Albiceleste took a comfortable 2-0 victory. The Aztec team said goodbye to the first round with a 1-2 victory over Saudi Arabia.
These results left El Tri in third place in the group with four points. This was not enough for the Aztec team to transcend. Mexico had not been left out in the first round since the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
Mexicans seek revenge for Qatar 2022
After Javier Aguirre's final list for the World Cup was made official, 12 players are counted who are repeating that bitter participation in Qatar 2022.
Guillermo Ochoa (played every minute in the 3 games – 270 minutes).
César Montes (started in all 3 games and played all 270 minutes).
Johan Vásquez (did not play a game in the 2026 World Cup).
Jesús Gallardo (played all 3 games, 270 minutes).
Jorge Sánchez (played Mexico's first two games as a starter. The third game he stayed on the bench).
Edson Álvarez (played as a starter in two matches for Mexico in the World Cup. He stayed on the bench against Argentina).
Luis Chávez (started all three of Mexico's games. Scored a goal against Saudi Arabia).
Luis Romo (did not see minutes in the 2022 Qatar World Cup).
Orbelín Pineda (only played as a starter against Saudi Arabia and added 77 minutes).
Raúl Jiménez (He came off the bench in Mexico's three games. He played 58 minutes).
Alexis Vega (started in all 3 games. He totaled 196 minutes in the World Cup).
Roberto Alvarado (only played 73 minutes against the Argentina team).