Javier “Chicharito” Hernández is not in the 2026 World Cup despite being the all-time top scorer for the Mexican National Team. Javier Aguirre decided not to include the forward in the final list for the World Cup.
The attacker’s absence is not a surprise. Chicharito was also not called up for Qatar 2022 and has not played with El Tri since September 6, 2019, when he played a friendly against the United States.
According to various analyses, the decision responds to tactical and sporting issues. Aguirre prioritized players who fit better into his scheme and who arrive with greater competitive continuity.
Furthermore, the forward is going through a difficult moment in his career. Since December 2025, he has been without a team after leaving Chivas, a club with which he scored four goals and played less than 900 minutes during his last season.
The forward himself referred to the situation of the national team at the beginning of May when he did not appear on the pre-call list either. ““I always wish him the best of the best and I hope that things go for him in the best way, despite how they have been playing, the process as we would have liked.”said Hernandez.
Despite rumors about a possible retirement, the 37-year-old footballer made it clear that he will continue his career. “No way, I’m going to retire. See you soon”he assured in a video published on his social networks where he announced that he will announce his next professional steps during the month of July.
Chicharito lives the World Cup from another trench
Despite not being able to be present as a player, Chicharito will be part of the 2026 World Cup in a different role. The forward joined the team of commentators and analysts of a sports network as officially announced. which will allow him to remain linked to the most important tournament in world football, although this time from the broadcast booth and not from the playing field where he wrote a large part of his successful career as the top scorer in the history of the Mexican National Team.