Mexico coach Javier Aguirre announced a 26-man squad on Thursday for friendlies against Portugal and Belgium, headlined by the return of veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and the first call-up of midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo. Ochoa, 40, had not been selected since last year's Gold Cup, where he was a backup behind injured Luis Angel Malagón, who tore his Achilles tendon and will miss the World Cup. Ochoa, seeking his sixth World Cup, hasn't started a game since El Tri's 2-0 loss to Honduras in November 2014.

Fidalgo, 28, received Mexican citizenship this year and was key for Club America's three consecutive titles before joining Real Betis this month. Aguirre also included 20-year-old Obed Vargas, signed from Atlético Madrid, to cover injuries to Marcel Ruiz (ACL tear) and Edson Alvarez (ankle surgery).