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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

Malagon
Malagon withdrew from Mexico’s camp due to injury. (Getty Images)

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.

NameClub
Carlos AcevedoSantos Laguna
Jose RangelChivas
Table: Goalkeepers in Mexico squad for COPA America 2024

Defenders

Cesar Montes
Cesar Montes will be a key player this summer. (Getty Images)

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.

NameClub
Gerardo ArteagaMonterrey
Brian GarciaToluca
Bryan GonzalezPachuca
Victor GuzmanMonterrey
Cesar MontesAlmeria
Jesus OrozcoChivas
Alexis PenaNecaxa
Israel ReyesClub America
Jorge SanchezFC Porto
Johan VazquezGenoa
Table: Defenders in Mexico squad for COPA America 2024

ALSO READ: Canada squad for Copa America 2024: Who’s in and Who’s out, Key Players and Predicted Lineup

Midfielders

Captain Edson Alvarez
Captain Edson Alvarez will be crucial for Mexico. (Getty Images)

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.

NameClub
Edson AlvarezWest Ham
Luis ChavezDynamo Moscow
Erick GutierrezGuadalajara
Roberto AlvaradoChivas
Fernando BeltranGuadalajara
Andres MontanoMazatlan
Orbelin PinedaAEK Athens
Carlos RodriguezCruz Azul
Luis RomoMonterrey
Erick SanchezPachuca
Table: Midfielders in Mexico squad for COPA America 2024

Forwards    

Gimenez
Gimenez has been in top form for Feyenoord. (Getty Images)

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.

NameClub
Santiago GimenezFeyenoord
Julian QuinonesClub America
Uriel AntunaCruz Azul
Marcelo FloresTigres
Cesar HuertaPumas
Guillermo MartinezUNAM
Alexis VegaToluca
Table: Forwards in Mexico squad for COPA America 2024

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 

Lozano
Lozano will be a big miss for Mexico this summer. (Getty Images)

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.

NameClubReasons for Exclusion
Julian AraujoLas PalmasNot Selected
Jesus GallardoMonterreyNot Selected
Eric GutierrezGuadalajaraNot Selected
Raul JimenezFulhamNot Selected
Hirving LozanoPSVNot Selected
Henry MartinClub AmericaNot Selected
Guillermo OchoaSalernitanaNot Selected
Deigo LainezTigresInjury
Luis MalagonClub AmericaInjury
Table: Major Missings for Mexico in Copa America 2024 

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