Mexico faces another major World Cup setback as Marcel Ruiz will miss the 2026 tournament after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee during Toluca's Concacaf Champions Cup match against San Diego FC. The 25-year-old midfielder, who started all three of Mexico's 2026 qualifiers, requires surgery with recovery time still undetermined.

Coach Javier Aguirre now confronts mounting selection challenges following goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón's Achilles tear earlier this week. Mexico's squad depth faces further questions with Edson Álvarez, Rodrigo Huescas, and several other international figures currently sidelined with injuries, leaving multiple positions in doubt for the tournament.

As co-host alongside the United States and Canada, Mexico opens the World Cup against South Africa on June 11 at Estadio Azteca. El Tri will prepare without Ruiz in upcoming friendlies against Portugal on March 28 and Belgium on March 31, with Aguirre needing to rebuild midfield options before the tournament's kickoff.