Mexico World Cup Roster Crisis: Federation Threatens to Exclude Liga MX Stars; Chucky Lozano Dropped From Provisional Squad

A major internal dispute erupted in Mexican football as coach Javier Aguirre convened a 20-man domestic training camp during the Liga MX Clausura quarterfinals — outside the official FIFA international window — forcing clubs to choose between league playoff commitments and the national team. The Mexican Football Federation issued an ultimatum: any player who fails to report will be excluded from the final World Cup squad. Aguirre granted a special exemption only to Toluca players participating in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, drawing accusations of favoritism from other clubs. Chivas president Amaury Vergara publicly challenged the decision on social media, arguing that players who honor club commitments in a parallel competition should not face World Cup exclusion. A further flashpoint: Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano — formerly one of Mexico's most prominent internationals — was excluded from Mexico's 55-man provisional World Cup roster, signaling a definitive end to his international career under Aguirre. The episode reflects deep structural tensions between Liga MX's commercial calendar and the national federation's authority heading into Mexico's home World Cup. Mexico open the entire tournament on June 11 at Estadio Azteca against South Africa.