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Mexico suffers Edson Alvarez blow for World Cup opener
11 Jun
Summary
- Mexico's captain Edson Alvarez will miss the World Cup opener.
- Alvarez is recovering from ankle surgery performed in late February.
- Coach Javier Aguirre opted not to risk the injured midfielder.
Mexico will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign without their captain, Edson Alvarez, for the opening match against South Africa. Alvarez has been sidelined due to an ankle injury that required surgery on February 17.
Despite initial recovery projections of four to eight weeks, Alvarez has not yet regained full match fitness. Head coach Javier Aguirre has made the decision not to risk the experienced midfielder in the team's crucial first fixture of the tournament.
Alvarez is a vital player for Mexico, contributing leadership, defensive solidity, and experience whether deployed in midfield or defense. The team will rely on the rest of the squad to secure a positive start against South Africa.
