With just 278 days to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, concerns are mounting around Mexico’s national team following a worrying incident during their latest friendly match. While these tune-up games are meant to build rhythm and cohesion, they can also bring unwelcome setbacks - and Saturday night’s 0-0 friendly draw with Japan was a stark reminder of that.
Captain forced off
During the September 6 match at Oakland Coliseum, Mexican captain Edson Álvarez sent shockwaves through the squad and fanbase alike when he collapsed to the turf in visible discomfort. The midfielder immediately signaled for a substitution, evoking memories of his injury during the 2024 Copa América - a chapter no one in El Tri wants to relive.
The incident occurred in the 29th minute of the first half. Álvarez sat down on the pitch, clutching his right thigh, and gestured toward the bench. Head coach Javier Aguirre responded swiftly, bringing on Erik Lira to replace the Fenerbahçe midfielder. Though Álvarez was able to walk off under his own power, the concern surrounding his condition was palpable.
Medical staff rushed onto the field to assess the situation. Early indications suggest the substitution was precautionary rather than the result of a serious injury. Nonetheless, Mexico are likely to be without their captain for the remainder of this FIFA international window and anxiously awaits further updates.
How long could Edson be out for?
It’s worth noting that the last time Álvarez suffered an injury while representing Mexico, it was a hamstring issue that sidelined him for 60 days following a tearful exit from the Copa América. That history only adds to the unease surrounding this latest setback.
As of now, no official medical report has been released, but sources close to the team suggest Álvarez could miss up to a month of action. That would rule him out of Mexico’s upcoming friendly against South Korea on September 9 and force him to return to Turkey for rehabilitation, potentially missing club duties with Fenerbahçe.
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