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Ochoa and Jiménez Make the Cut: Mexico’s Star Players Set for Showdowns Against USMNT and Valencia!

Guillermo Ochoa, Raul Jiménez called up by Mexico for friendlies against USMNT and Valencia

Guillermo Ochoa and Raul Jiménez have been called up by the Mexican national team for upcoming friendly matches against Valencia and the United States. Their return is anticipated by fans who have followed their impactful careers with El Tri.

At 39 years old, Ochoa aims to secure his position as a goalkeeper in a sixth World Cup in 2026, though he faces stiff competition from Luis Malagón. Jiménez, now 33, has not donned the national jersey since March, when Mexico suffered a 2-0 defeat to the U.S. in the Nations League final.

Previously, coach Jaime Lozano made the controversial decision to omit both players from the Copa América squad, which resulted in a disappointing first-round exit for Mexico. Following Lozano’s dismissal, Javier Aguirre took over in August but also excluded Ochoa and Jiménez from the recent friendlies against New Zealand and Canada.

The upcoming matches will see Mexico face Valencia on October 12 in Puebla, followed by a home game against the U.S. in Guadalajara just three days later. This schedule provides an opportunity for the national team to regroup and showcase their talents.

A notable addition to the roster is teenager Obed Vargas, who plays for the Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer. Born in Alaska, Vargas previously represented U.S. youth teams but made the switch to play for Mexico in May, adding an exciting new dynamic to the squad.

Another veteran making a return is Andrés Guardado, who, at 38, will officially retire from international play after these two matches. Guardado has not participated since the 2022 World Cup, and his experience will be invaluable for the younger players.

West Ham midfielder Edson Álvarez is also back after recovering from a leg injury sustained during the Copa América’s opening match. His return strengthens the midfield as Mexico prepares for these critical encounters.

However, the national team will be without several key players due to injuries, including Santiago Giménez from Feyenoord, Hirving Lozano of PSV Eindhoven, and Luis Chávez from Dynamo Moscow. Both Lozano and Chávez were pivotal during the last World Cup, where Mexico faced an early exit.

FULL ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Luis Malagón (América), Guillermo Ochoa (AVS, Portugal), Raúl Rangel (Chivas)

Defenders: Rodrigo Huescas (FV Kobenhavn), Jorge Sánchez (Cruz Azul), Jesús Orozco (Chivas), César Montes (Lokomotiv), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), Jesús Angulo (Tigres) y Bryan González (Pachuca)

Midfielders: Edson Álvarez (West Ham United), Luis Romo (Cruz Azul), Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders), Marcel Ruiz (Toluca), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Andrés Guardado (León), Sebastián Córdova (Tigres) y Orbelín Pineda (AEK)

Forwards: Diego Lainez (Tigres), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Ozziel Herrera (Tigres), Germán Berterame (Monterrey), César Huerta (Pumas), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham) y Henry Martín (América)

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Dave Gallo is a leading sports bettor and handicapper since 1999, known for his impressive 10-0 winning streaks. A journalism, advertising, and media studies major at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he combines his betting expertise with academic knowledge. Gallo's strong work ethic and passion for sports fuel his ongoing success and scholarly pursuits.

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