The call of the Mexican National Team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup left one of the most emotional stories heading into the tournament that will be held in Mexico, the United States and Canada. The protagonist was not only Mateo Chávez, who achieved a place on Javier Aguirre's final list, but also his father, Paulo César “Tilón” Chávez, who lived a moment full of mixed feelings after hearing the news.

Almost three decades after having suffered one of the biggest disappointments of his career, the former Mexican soccer player found an emotional reward when seeing that his son is part of the group of 26 players who will represent the country in the next World Cup.

Mateo Chávez earns a place on the Mexican National Team for the 2026 World Cup

After establishing himself in European football with AZ Alkmaar of the Eredivisie, Mateo Chávez managed to convince the coaching staff headed by Javier Aguirre to join the final roster of the Mexican National Team.

The left back will compete for the starting position with Jesús Gallardo, one of the most experienced players within the national team and an important piece of the Toluca Red Devils.

His growth in the Netherlands and the level shown during the season were determining factors in receiving the most important call of his career so far.

The memory that still hurts: when Tilón Chávez was left out of France 1998

Paulo César Chávez's emotion has an explanation that goes beyond his son's call.

The former player was part of the process leading up to the 1998 World Cup in France and was included in the preliminary list of 24 players drawn up by then-coach Manuel Lapuente. However, when the time came to define the 22 chosen to compete in the World Cup, he was one of those discarded along with defender David Oteo.

After accompanying the group during the preparation and making the previous tour of Europe, the World Cup dream ended abruptly a few days before the tournament.

Tilón Chávez could not contain his tears live

During an interview on the ESPN program Futbol Picante, the former Mexican national team broke down when remembering that episode and at the same time celebrating his son's achievement.

"Well, full of pride, the truth is, for me it was a great emotion, I was left out of a World Cup, the truth is," 'Tilón' had to pause at this moment in a live interview on the ESPN network's stellar program called 'Futbol Picante' because he broke down in a moving cry.

“It is the biggest pain I have had in my career, missing out on a World Cup and today seeing that my son (Mateo Chávez) who is part of this list fills me with a lot of pride, honestly.”

The former soccer player's words reflected the special meaning that this call has for the entire Chávez family.

The reward came in the form of a World Cup for Mateo Chávez

After regaining his composure, the former player shared the happiness he and his family experience at the opportunity his son will have to play in a tournament of this magnitude at home.

“We are very happy, we are very happy, it is going to be here in Mexico and we hope that Mexico does very well.”

He later explained the effort the young defender made to establish himself in Europe and make his way to the Mexican National Team.

“I have a lot of contact with him, in fact we just returned from Holland, well from the Netherlands, we had to live with him for a while, they were months of a lot of stress where he was very excited, I was also excited, we were all very excited, but the truth is he earned his place based on a great effort, based on making many sacrifices, it is not easy to be able to be in Europe, to be able to be in such a complicated climate, to be able to be alone, and thank God today he gets to experience this part of what "It's a World Cup."

A story of perseverance towards the 2026 World Cup

Mateo Chávez's call-up represents much more than a call to the Mexican National Team. For Paulo César “Tilón” Chávez it means seeing a dream fulfilled that soccer denied him as a player 28 years ago.

Now, as Mexico prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, father and son will be able to enjoy from different perspectives an experience that will forever mark the Chávez family.