Hirving Lozano, the renowned Mexican winger, is making headlines again as he has been included in the preliminary roster for the Mexican National Team as they prepare for the Final Four of the Concacaf Nations League. The announcement, made on March 6, unveiled 60 potential players, among whom notable names such as Guillermo Ochoa and Raúl Jiménez also appeared, marking the return of several experienced players to the squad.
Lozano, who now plays for San Diego FC after his transfer from PSV Eindhoven, is particularly significant. His return to the national team is noteworthy as he hasn't featured for the El Tri since Javier Aguirre took charge following the team's disappointing performances over the last year. His last match with the national team was the final of the Nations League on March 24, 2023, where Mexico fell short against the United States.
According to Vanguardia, "The inclusion of Lozano is surprising. The winger, now with the expansion franchise San Diego FC, has not been called up since Javier Aguirre took over the team". This puts pressure on Lozano to perform well as he reintegrates with the national setup since being sidelined.
The Mexican team, often labeled El Tri, is gearing up for its semifinal encounter against Canada, which is scheduled for March 20 at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. This matchup holds great importance as it offers the opportunity for both teams to stake their claim to the final scheduled for March 23.
Notably, Aguirre has emphasized the inclusion of talents from both domestic and international leagues, stating, "Aguirre has called up all possible talent for the challenge against Canada". This not only reflects his commitment to the team but also highlights the growing pool of talent available to him, with seven players from Chivas included among the rosters, alongside other well-regarded foreign-based talents.
The diverse selection showcases players like Santiago Jiménez, who has sparked interest with his abilities at AC Milan, and the mentorship of seasoned players like Ochoa and Jiménez, who are expected to guide the less experienced members of the squad. This heady mix of youth and experience is seen as pivotal to revitalizing Mexico's performances on the international stage.
Competition for places is heating up, as only 23 out of the initial 60 names will make the final squad. Candidates such as Alexis Vega, Efraín Álvarez, and new additions like Gilberto Mora, who is just 16 years old, add extra dimensions to the talent pool available for selection. Though Lozano has grabbed the headlines, others are just as eager to prove their worth within the national setup.
The pressure is mounting for Aguirre as the deadline of March 10 for the finalized roster looms. Fans and critics alike are awaiting the final selections closely, hoping for the best combination of skill, teamwork, and experience to lead Mexico to success.
Lozano's return, after almost twelve months without international duty, is emblematic of the changes being made within the team under Aguirre's management. His past performances for the national team, renowned for explosive speed and technical prowess, have made him one of the key players to watch moving forward, especially against Canada.
All eyes will be on how these preparations progress and whether this squad can rise to the occasion of the Nations League and beyond, potentially signaling a new chapter for the national team as they eye the World Cup 2026—appropriately on home soil, where Mexico, the USA, and Canada will jointly host the prestigious tournament.
With so much at stake, the upcoming matches are set to captivate the attention of soccer lovers everywhere, not just within Mexico. Russia's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 places even more importance on how the Mexican squad performs throughout the qualifiers and subsequent tournaments. Can they meet the high expectations? Only time will tell as the Final Four approaches.