Chávez has earned a spot on Aguirre’s 35-man preliminary roster, while Carrillo joins Mexico’s U23 squad
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
First senior call-up for Chávez, with just 44 games for ChivasCarrillo has three first-team appearances for FeyenoordBoth are aiming for a spot in Mexico’s 2026 World Cup plansFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
One of the most unexpected names in Javier Aguirre’s preliminary summer roster is 21-year-old Mateo Chávez, a promising left-back who recently made the jump to Europe with Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. Although the current squad of 35 players will be trimmed to 26 ahead of the Gold Cup, Chávez’s inclusion has turned heads – especially considering he only has 44 top-flight appearances under his belt, debuting with Chivas in the 2024 Clausura.
“I don’t know if I’m really on the coach’s radar – those are decisions for him to make,” Chávez admitted. “But that was part of my motivation for making the move [to Europe]. There’s a lot of competition in my position, a lot of quality players, so I knew I had to grow and challenge myself if I wanted to earn a spot.”
Despite the move abroad, Chávez is aware that playing in Europe doesn’t guarantee a place in Aguirre’s plans. He sees this call-up as just the beginning of a longer journey.
“Right now, everything is a bonus. Whether I make the final squad or not, I’m learning a lot, and that’s already valuable,” he said. “Hopefully this won’t be the last time. I want to be at the World Cup, in every camp I can. But I know I need to work hard and earn my place at my new club first. I’m here with full commitment to learn.”
Chávez’s trajectory has been swift. After breaking into Chivas’ starting XI late last season, he secured a move to Europe and now finds himself in the senior national team mix. He’s only played twice for Mexico’s U23 squad, making his recent rise even more remarkable.
“Everything has happened so fast,” he reflected. “That’s been the story of my career so far. I’m in a new phase, eyes wide open, ready to adapt and take on new challenges. It’s been a beautiful transition.”
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Chávez's opportunity with the national team has also been helped by unfortunate circumstances. A right knee injury has sidelined Jesús Angulo, opening the door for the AZ Alkmaar defender to potentially challenge Jesús Gallardo, the current first-choice left-back for El Tri.
“I’ll fight for my spot. No one wants to benefit from another player’s injury, but it’s my responsibility to take advantage of the opportunity,” Chávez said. “I’ll do everything I can to make the coach’s decision a little tougher.”
AFPWHAT STEPHANO CARRILLO SAID
Meanwhile, another young Mexican talent is making waves in Europe – 19-year-old forward Stephano Carrillo, who is currently with Feyenoord and participating in Mexico’s U23 camp ahead of the Maurice Revello Tournament. Though not officially part of Aguirre’s plans yet, Carrillo has already trained with the senior team and is starting to attract attention.
He’s not alone in his journey. Carrillo credits his development to the mentorship of two international football figures: Javier Aguirre and Dutch legend Robin van Persie.
“I’ve improved a lot thanks to him,” Carrillo said of Van Persie, who took over as Feyenoord’s head coach in February 2025.
The former striker has played a key role in Carrillo’s adaptation to European football.
“Playing in Europe definitely puts a spotlight on you,” Carrillo added. “But if I don’t perform, I’ll be back in Mexico next year.”
So far, Carrillo has made just three appearances for Feyenoord’s senior team, but with strong guidance, he could be another name to watch as Mexico builds toward the 2026 World Cup.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?
Mexico began training camp at the High Performance Center (CAR) on Monday, with the full group expected to be assembled by June 2. The final 26-man squad for the 2025 Gold Cup will be announced on June 4, with El Tri set to debut in the Gold Cup on June 14 vs. the Dominican Republic.