World Cup 2026: Mexico’s football federation threatens to drop players over training camp row

Toluca will play Major League Soccer (MLS) side Los Angeles FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal second leg on Wednesday, while Chivas de Guadalajara prepare for their Liga MX playoff quarterfinal on Sunday.

Toluca requested permission on Tuesday to release FMF forward Alexis Vega and left-back Jesus Gallardo, angering rivals Chivas, who have already released five players; Goalkeeper Raul Rangel, midfielder Luis Romo, US-born midfielder Brian Gutierrez, winger Roberto Alvarado and forward Armando Gonzalez.

Toluca’s request to hold out the players to prioritize the Champions Cup semi-final, which they trailed 2–1 on aggregate after the first leg, was seen as a breach of contracts with Liga MX clubs.

Chivas president Amaury Vergara Wrote in X, outsider tuesday: , outsider“Agreements are only valid when all parties honor them. I have instructed the Sports Directorate that our players report to the club’s facilities tomorrow.”

Chivas lost 3-1 to Tigres in the first leg of the playoff quarterfinals last weekend.

On Wednesday, Chivas said: “We respect the desire of our players to represent Mexico at the 2026 World Cup and we will not hinder that possibility in any way, so they will report to the training camp on time and in the correct manner.”

In a press conference on Wednesday, after the FMF statement, Mexico head coach Aguirre said: “As you know, the statement is very clear: those who do not come will be out of the World Cup. We cannot be flexible, not at all.”

He thanked Chivas and Toluca, adding: “No one has broken the contract. So far the playoffs have been played without national team players. So far what we have signed, what we have discussed, what we have seen – they have supported us unconditionally.

“I am here to explain that this is a unique project and we are committed to it. Nothing extraordinary has happened and everything is going according to plan, with the huge support of everyone – fans, players, management and the press. We are all in the same boat, and I think it is important to tell you.”