The Mexican Football Federation and coach Javier Aguirre ignited controversy this Wednesday by issuing an ultimatum to the first twelve players called up for the 2026 World Cup, demanding their immediate presence at the High Performance Center.
The message was direct and without room for exceptions. “Today the players are scheduled to have dinner all together at 8 pm. Anyone who doesn’t come will be out of the World Cup.”Vasco Aguirre declared in a press conference that made clear the position of the coaching staff in the face of the tension generated with several Liga MX clubs.
The controversy arose mainly due to the situation of Alexis Vega and Jesús Gallardo, whom Toluca wanted to retain for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinal against LAFC, despite the previous agreement to release those called up as of May 6. The situation also generated annoyance in Chivas de Guadalajara, a club that has several elements called by Aguirre and that is also competing in the final phase of Clausura 2026. The coach tried to tone down the controversy by ensuring that the pact with the clubs is still in force. “It is a pact, a project that has not been broken“, he stated, especially thanking Chivas and Toluca for their support.
The situation highlights the tensions between the National Team and the clubs in the final stretch of the season, just over a month before the start of the 2026 World Cup. Various voices also question the usefulness of concentrating a small group when the main figures of the national team are active abroad and will not be available in this preparation phase.
The Mexican National Team reports: pic.twitter.com/ucCzxJ8uKX
— National Team (@miseleccionmx) May 6, 2026
Mexico heading to the 2026 World Cup
Aguirre made it clear that there will be no exceptions and that the concentration is part of a previously approved plan. “We cannot be flexible,” said the strategist, who has friendly matches against Ghana, Australia and Serbia scheduled before the World Cup debut on June 11 against South Africa in Group A of the tournament that Mexico organizes together with the United States and Canada.
The controversy comes at a delicate moment for the Tricolor, which as the host country has the pressure to perform at the highest level in front of its own fans in the most important tournament in world football.
The technical and administrative decisions of recent weeks are under intense scrutiny and Aguirre’s ultimatum will only increase the debate around the preparation of a team that has the dream of shining at home on June 11 when the 2026 World Cup begins at the Azteca Stadium against South Africa.
Official statement. pic.twitter.com/Cafmu2qjbD
— CHIVAS (@Chivas) May 6, 2026