Mexico, one of the host nations for the upcoming World Cup, officially released its preliminary 55-man squad on Tuesday. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who made his World Cup debut in 2006, headlines the list and could join Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to feature in six editions of the tournament.
The 40-year-old Ochoa, a legendary figure in World Cup history known for his unforgettable performance against Brazil in 2014, is already expected to be among the final 26 players, according to Mexican media. Other European-based talents such as Raul Jimenez of Fulham were also included. In total, 14 players in the preliminary squad ply their trade in Europe, while the majority come from domestic clubs.
However, Hirving Lozano, who scored the winning goal against Germany in 2018, was left out. The winger, currently playing for San Diego in MLS, participated in the last two World Cups but will miss this tournament.
Mexico will open the World Cup against South Africa on June 11 at 16:00 local time. The hosts are in Group A alongside South Korea and the Czech Republic.
Here is the full preliminary squad:
**Goalkeepers:** Alex Padilla, Antonio Rodríguez, Carlos Moreno, Carlos Acevedo, Guillermo Ochoa, Raúl Rangel.
**Defenders:** Bryan González, César Montes, Eduardo Águila, Everardo López, Edson Álvarez, Israel Reyes, Jesús Angulo, Jesús Gallardo, Jesús Gómez, Johan Vásquez, Jorge Sánchez, Julián Araujo, Luis Rey, Mateo Chávez, Ramón Juárez, Richard Ledezama, Víctor Guzmán.
**Midfielders:** Alexei Domínguez, Alexis Gutiérrez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez, Carlos Rodríguez, Denzell García, Diego Lainez, Efraín Álvarez, Elías Montiel, Erick Sánchez, Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Isaías Violante, Jeremy Márquez, Jordan Carrillo, Jorge Ruvalcaba, Kevin Castañeda, Luis Chávez, Luis Romo, Marcel Ruiz, Obed Vargas, Orbelín Pineda, Jesús Angulo.
**Forwards:** Alexis Vega, Armando González, César Huerta, Germán Berterame, Guillermo Martínez, Julián Quiñones, Roberto Alvarado, Santiago Giménez, Raúl Jimenez.