The Mexico national football team is at the center of several stories this week, from youth recognition to transfer market moves. Three Club Deportivo Guadalajara players were called up to the U-17 squad, while international Rebeca Bernal is close to joining Manchester United.
The senior team, meanwhile, leads its FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying group with 9 points from three wins, no goals conceded, and a five-point lead over South Africa. Its next match is against Colombia on September 26.
Mexico U-17 head coach Jürgen Castañeda called up three players from the Guadalajara youth academy for a pair of friendly matches against Colombia. Dylan Avelar, Joseph González, and Jorge Lewis will join the national team preparing for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
The two preparation matches will be played at the Mexican Football Federation's facilities. The first is scheduled for Friday, August 28 at 10:00 AM, and the second for Sunday, August 30 at the same time. This call-up reinforces the role of the Chivas academy in developing talent for Mexico's youth national teams.
Manchester United is close to completing the signing of Mexico international Rebeca Bernal. The 29-year-old, who can play as a center-back or midfielder, would join from the NWSL's Washington Spirit.
Bernal joined the Spirit in February 2025 from CF Monterrey and has made 65 appearances for the senior Mexico national team, scoring seven goals. Her transfer would make her the first Mexican player to feature in England's Women's Super League. Bernal missed her club's last match due to what was described as an "excused absence."
Media outlets in Ecuador announced that Marcelo Gallardo will become the new head coach of Ecuador, replacing Sebastián Beccacece. The information states that the Ecuadorian Football Federation, led by president Francisco Egas, conducted the negotiations.
The reaction in the South American country has been largely positive. The Argentine manager, who left the Buenos Aires club in February of this year, will face the challenge of coaching a national team for the first time. His immediate task will be planning the new cycle for La Tri.
Amid these developments, Mexico's senior team continues its strong form in World Cup 2026 qualifying. From three games played, it has three wins, six goals scored, and none conceded. Its last result was a 2-3 defeat to England on July 6, but its recent form across the last five matches shows four wins and only that single loss.
The squad, managed by Jaime Lozano, now prepares for its next official fixture, a home qualifier against Colombia. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and the updated table on the standings page. The objective of maintaining the group lead is clear ahead of the home World Cup.
