Mexico squad for Copa America 2024: Who’s in and who’s out, Key Players and Predicted Lineup

Mexico have always been one of the most exciting national teams to watch at international tournaments. Despite not being among the highest-ranked sides, they always turn things up and shift up a gear or two at FIFA World Cups and will aim to repeat it at the Copa America 2024.

Once a highly-stacked side and arguably the best in North America, Mexico have faced a slight decline over the last few years. They currently have some stars who have been with the national team for time immemorial, but also have some young blood to complement them. This combination could give them the boost they need to perform well this summer.

On that note, let’s take a look at the Mexico squad for Copa America 2024.

Goalkeepers

The major notable thing for coach Jaime Lozano is that star custodian Luis Malagon will be ruled out for El Tri after withdrawing from their training camp with an injury. Dubbed as Guillermo Ochoa’s long-term heir, an injury to him means Mexico will be left with just two goalkeepers.

Jose Rangel and Carlos Acevedo will compete for the number one spot, with just 10 international caps between them, marking a new era for goalkeeping for Mexico.

Defenders

Mexico has several experienced and battle-tested defenders among their ranks, with several having played at multiple World Cups before this. Cesar Montes and Jorge Sanchez are the seniors in the roster, having been involved before and during the 2022 World Cup.

Johan Vasquez will likely take up the third vacant spot in the backline, while Monterrey’s Gerardo Arteaga will be in contention as well.

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Midfielders

Long-time captain and arguably the best player on the team, Edson Alvarez is a guaranteed starter for Mexico alongside Luis Chavez. The pair will be a lock for two of the three midfield spots, with Erick Sanchez closest to making the third spot his own.

Most of the midfielders on the roster are in their prime or just about to enter it, making it important for coach Lozano to manage his players well. Orbelin Pinedo, Carlos Rodriguez, Luis Romo and Roberto Alvarado are all under 28.

Forwards    

The closest player to a superstar that Mexico have is Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, who has enjoyed a stellar season with his club. Should El Tri hope for a good performance at Copa America 2024, they will hope Gimenez continues his form for his nation as well.

Julian Quinones and Uriel Antuna will make the wide attacking spots their own, with Alexis Vega and Marcelo Flores ready to deputize for the pair.

Predicted Lineup for Mexico at Copa America 2024    

With Ochoa not selected and Malagon ruled out due to injury, the onus will be on Carlos Acevedo and Jose Rangel to carry out goalkeeping duties at Copa America 2024. The latter recently played in a friendly against Uruguay and could start in the summer.

In defence, they will have Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, and Arteaga, with captain Edson Alvarez playing the holding midfielder role just ahead of them. Erick Sanchez and Luis Chavez will occupy the normal midfield spots.

Santiago Gimenez is guaranteed to lead the line, with Antuna and Quinones occupying the wide roles.

Mexico Predicted Lineup: Jose Rangel (GK); Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Arteaga; Alvarez (C); Chavez, Sanchez; Antuna, Gimenez, Quinones.

Players Missing for Mexico in Copa America 2024 

Coach Lozano shocked several Mexican fans when he outright excluded six veteran stars. While said stars were expected to be a part of the squad for Copa America 2024 and beyond, their exclusion has now raised questions as to whether they will ever get a chance with the national team again.

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