2026 World Cup: Aguirre forced into U-turn as four Mexico stars race to face South Africa

Mexico’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup have been rocked by a fitness scare involving four key players, all of whom are fighting to be ready for the tournament opener against South Africa on June 11.

Each member of the quartet has been wrestling with separate physical complaints in recent weeks, leaving the coaching staff anxiously monitoring their recovery as kick-off draws near.

The situation has become so pressing that Javier Aguirre has been forced to abandon a position he held firmly only months ago.

The veteran tactician had insisted he would refuse to name any unfit player in his final squad, but the sheer scale of the problems facing his side has compelled him to soften that hardline approach and keep his options open.

Four key names in doubt

Local reports indicate that defender César Montes, midfielders Edson Álvarez and Luis Chávez, and forward Alexis Vega are all uncertain starters, each nursing a different ailment as the clock ticks down toward the South Africa showdown.

Montes, now plying his trade with Lokomotiv Moscow, came off the bench during Mexico’s most recent friendly against Australia on May 31, but he continues to be hampered by lingering muscle discomfort.

Álvarez, a standout performer for Fenerbahçe, is struggling with an ankle issue, while his fellow midfielder Chávez, of Dinamo Moscow, is contending with a ligament problem that could complicate his availability.

Vega’s situation appears marginally more encouraging. The Toluca forward has been coping with a knee complaint that, while not severe enough to rule him out entirely, demands careful day-to-day management as the medical team weighs the risks of rushing him back.

South Africa nurse their own worry

While Mexico’s troubles dominate the headlines, Hugo Broos and his Bafana Bafana side are not entirely free of concern themselves. Their sole injury doubt centres on left-back Aubrey Modiba, who was absent for the second leg of Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League final against AS FAR after picking up a hamstring strain.

Broos, however, remains optimistic on that front, expressing confidence that Modiba will recover sufficiently to take his place in the squad for the meeting with Mexico.

Compared with the multiple headaches afflicting Aguirre, the South African camp appears in far healthier shape heading into the curtain-raiser.

With the opener fast approaching, all eyes will now turn to the treatment tables in both camps, where the fitness battles of a handful of players could shape the complexion of this eagerly anticipated clash.