The solution for Mexico?
As the Mexican men’s national team searches for a dependable right-back, there’s one man who is yet to be given an opportunity to shine.
Javier Aguirre has a pressing concern as the 2026 World Cup approaches: finding a reliable right-back. The veteran coach had set his sights on Rodrigo Huescas, but a ligament injury has ruled the young defender out of contention for the tournament. Now, “El Vasco” must not only identify a dependable starter for the position but also find a capable backup who can offer depth off the bench.
So far, the Mexican national team manager has called up seven players to fill the role: Huescas, Alan Mozo, José Castillo, Israel Reyes, Julián Araujo, Jorge Sánchez and Kevin Álvarez. The last two were recently tested in friendlies against Colombia and Ecuador, but both are under heavy scrutiny following error-prone performances in the recent Clásico Joven, where their mistakes directly led to goals.
What about Chivas’ Ledezma?
One name notably absent from Aguirre’s call-ups is Richard Ledezma, a recent signing for Chivas ahead of the Apertura 2025. Despite playing for a club with the storied tradition of Guadalajara, the Mexican-American midfielder has yet to commit to either national team - Mexico or the United States. He wore the Stars and Stripes during his youth career, but in a recent interview, he admitted he’s still undecided about where his international future lies.
Ledezma’s lightning Chivas start
Since making his debut for Chivas, Ledezma has quickly won over the fanbase - especially after scoring in a friendly against Leones Negros and celebrating by kissing the Chivas crest. He’s only missed one match so far, against Cruz Azul, due to injury. While he’s yet to score in Liga MX, he’s already tallied three assists - against Necaxa, Puebla and Mazatlán - all in games that El Rebaño Sagrado went on to win.
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