'Hong Myung-bo's World Cup Opponent' Mexican Football Association 'Shock' Threat: "Refuse Player Call-up? We Will Exclude Them from the National Team"

*This content was translated by AI.

South Korea's 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup second opponent, Mexico, has found itself in an unprecedented crisis. The football association sparked controversy by taking a stance that appeared to threaten players.

British outlet 'BBC' on the 7th (Korea time) "The Mexican Football Association notified players from its domestic league that they would be excluded from the final World Cup roster if they refused to attend the national team training camp and stayed with their clubs," focusing intensely on the issue.

Earlier, the Mexican Football Association released the training roster for the Jin Haeng-doe-neun (CEO) team in Mexico City. Among the 20th players selected from the domestic league, it is reported that 12 were already included in the World Cup national team roster.

Along with the announcement, the association stated, "All players must gather at the training center in Mexico City," and issued a stern warning: "Players who fail to attend this training in accordance with the coaching staff's orders will be banned from participating in the World Cup."

This is effectively a directive to sacrifice club matches for the national team schedule. Mexico's prestigious club Toluca had played the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals against LAFC, while Chivas de Guadalajara was preparing for the Mexican playoff quarterfinals.

Amaury Verga, Chivas president, expressed anger at the football association's unilateral demands. Through his personal social networking service (SNS), he stated, "Agreements are only valid when all parties agree," and vented his frustration over the association's forceful player selection, saying, "Our club has instructed players to gather with their clubs."

Furthermore, the Chivas club side announced, "We respect the players' desire to represent the country at the 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup. The club will not hinder that dream," and added, "Therefore, we will join the Seon Su-deul-eun (CEO) team camp without any delay."

Javier Aguirre, Mexico national team head coach, said, "The football association's statement is very clear. Players who do not participate in national team training will be dropped from the final World Cup roster. There is no room for flexibility." However, he also expressed gratitude, stating, "I thank Chivas and Toluca. No team has broken the agreement. The Mexican league playoffs proceeded without Mexican national team players. The clubs unconditionally supported the Mexican national team."

Continuing, Coach Aguirre added, "The World Cup is a very special tournament. The national team is here to explain that it is dedicated to the World Cup." He further stated, "Thanks to the unwavering support from fans, players, management, media, and others, everything is proceeding as planned. We are all in the same boat."

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*This content was translated by AI.