The tri-color strategist faces a demanding test in his World Cup trial.
Jamie Lozano captured the affection of fans, managers, and players alike. The arrival of ‘Jimmy’ was a boost and a breath of fresh air after the disappointing World Cup campaign under Gerardo Martino in Qatar 2022 and the short-lived project led by Diego Martín Cocca.
Just a month after taking the reins, Lozano achieved what the last two foreign coaches could not: he connected with the public. Winning the Golden Cup 2023 was the cherry on top, proving that the players trusted the project and the staff behind it.
Now the Tokyo 2020 Olympic medalist and quarterback will face the challenging task of identifying the right generation to shine on home soil at the next World Cup, hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The nation will host its third World Cup and will seek to restore the credibility that slipped away during a summer in the Middle East. The question remains: how will the coach find the ideal players and the optimal system? GOAL outlines the plan:
GENERATIONAL CHANGE
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In his first selections, Lozano signaled that a robust generational shift would be essential to cultivate a new pool of players committed to wearing the green and elevating Mexico onto the international stage.
Names like Luis Angel Malagón, Israel Reyes, Víctor Guzmán, Jesús Orozco Chiquete, among others, are poised to form the core of a refreshed national team that blends experienced voices with emerging talents.
Recently, the list of the Mexican U-23 squad under Ricardo Cadena was released, featuring several intriguing names already competing in Mexico’s First Division. Lozano is expected to consider more than a few of them in the near future.
Goalkeepers: Fernando Tapia (Queretaro), Raul Rangel (Chivas).
Defenders: Diego Campillo (Juárez), José Castillo (Pachuca), Mauricio Isaís (Toluca), Pablo Monroy (Pumas), Rafael Fernández (Xolos), Ramón Juárez (America), Víctor Guzmán (Monterrey).
Midfielders: Andrés Montaño (Mazatlán), Diego Medina (Santos), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Fidel Ambríz (León), Jairo Torres (Chicago Fire), Jeremy Márquez (Atlas), Juan Brígido (Chivas), Raymundo Fulgencio (Tigres).
Forwards: Bryan González (Pachuca), Ettson Ayón (Querétaro), Marcel Ruiz (Toluca), Roberto de la Rosa (Pachuca), Rodrigo Huescas (Cruz Azul).
PLAYERS WITH EXPERIENCE
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Seasoned figures such as Guillermo Ochoa, Héctor Herrera, and Raúl Jiménez will also be part of the journey, destined to guide the younger cohort toward a solid and balanced base.
Ochoa, Herrera, and Jiménez carry multiple world championship appearances and titles, a factor that will prove crucial when passing on knowledge to the next generation of El Tri.
Even with a wealth of young talent in every position, the presence of seasoned leaders remains vital to steer the team through tough phases of a match, including moments of discipline and capitalizing on numerical advantages after red cards.
SHUT THE DOOR ON NO ONE
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Last August, the unveiling of the new national-team structure across all categories took place, with Duilio Davino and Ivar Sisniega drawing considerable attention.
Davino stressed that no Mexican player has been ruled out and that the national team belongs to everyone. The focus includes veteran contributors such as Alan Pulido, Carlos Vela, and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández.
This approach signals a continued push to welcome back players who left a lasting mark on El Tri.
[Goal]