Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano is likely to miss the 2026 World Cup after choosing to stay with San Diego FC in MLS for financial reasons rather than seeking more playing time elsewhere. This decision has raised concerns among fans and analysts about his future in international football.
SEVILLA, SPAIN - AUGUST 04: Julian Quinones of Al-Qadsiah FC in action during a XIV Trofeo Antonio Puerta football match played between Sevilla FC and Al-Qadsiah FC at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium on August 4, 2025 in Sevilla, Spain. (Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
SEVILLA, SPAIN - AUGUST 04: Julian Quinones of Al-Qadsiah FC in action during a XIV Trofeo Antonio Puerta football match played between Sevilla FC and Al-Qadsiah FC at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium on August 4, 2025 in Sevilla, Spain. (Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
MLS
Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano – San Diego FC
Reports indicate that Lozano has all but closed the door on the World Cup after electing to take a paycheck instead of leaving San Diego and finding playing time.
Hector Herrera – Houston Dynamo
Herrera only played 30 minutes in a crushing 2-6 loss to Colorado. Even with his substitution, he was unable to help the team who went down three more goals after the 60th minute.
Eredivisie
Mateo Chavez – AZ Alkmaar
The youngster subbed into the game in the final third as he only saw 15 minutes of action. He was a starter in the back prior to his injury so hopefully he regains that position now that he’s back.
Stephano Carrillo – 2nd Division – FC Dordrecht
Saw no minutes this past weekend.
Premier League
Raul Jimenez – Fulham FC
Jimenez only saw 10 minutes of action this past weekend in a 0-2 loss to Liverpool.
LaLiga
Alvaro Fidalgo – Real Betis
Saw no minutes in this match. That is now two matches out of the last four that he has not seen any action.
Obed Vargas – Atlético de Madrid
The youngster played the full 90 minutes in a loss in the league. Now that the season is in the final stretch, Vargas will most likely see a lot of game time.
Super League Greece 1
Orbelin Pineda – AEK Athens
No game this weekend.
Jorge Sanchez – PAOK
No game this weekend.
Serie A
Johan Vasquez – Genoa
Played as left-back and captained his team to a 2-1 win.
Santiago Gimenez – AC Milan
Saw zero minutes this weekend. This is not a good look seeing as he needs as many minutes as possible before the World Cup.
Russian Premier League
Luis Chavez – Dynamo Moscow
Once again Chavez has seen zero minutes since making his return from injury. While he most likely will miss the World Cup, it is important that the player sees minutes in order to get back into rhythm and find his confidence again.
Cesar Montes – Lokomotiv Moscow
Scored another goal which makes it three consecutive matches with a goal for the defender.
Super Liga
Rodrigo Huescas – FC Copenhagen
Still recovering from injury.
Cypriot First Division
Guillermo Ochoa – AEL Limassol
No game this weekend.
Scottish Premiership
Julian Araujo – Celtic FC
Still recovering from injury.
Aldahir Valenzuela – Dundee FC
Not called-up.
Saudi Pro League
Julian Quiñones – Al Qadsiah FC
Played the full 90 minutes.
Belgian Pro League
Cesar Huerta – Anderlecht
Still recovering from injury.
Heriberto Jurado – Cercle Brugge
Did not see any minutes.
Süper Lig
Edson Alvarez – Fenerbahçe
Still recovering from injury.
With so many Mexicans playing abroad there may have been some news missed. If you feel that is the case, reach out and let us know. See you next week!
Q&A
Why is Hirving Lozano likely to miss the 2026 World Cup?
Hirving Lozano is likely to miss the 2026 World Cup because he opted to remain with San Diego FC in MLS for financial reasons, prioritizing his paycheck over finding more playing time.
What decision did Hirving Lozano make regarding his football career?
Hirving Lozano decided to stay with San Diego FC instead of seeking a transfer for more playing time, which may affect his international career.
What are the implications of Lozano's choice for his international career?
Lozano's choice to stay in MLS could jeopardize his chances of being selected for the national team in the upcoming World Cup, as he may not be in peak form.
Who is the coach that discussed Lozano's situation?
The situation regarding Hirving Lozano was discussed with Mexico's coach, Javier Aguirre, highlighting the impact of his decision on international play.
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