Mexico first choice national team goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón could be ruled out for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – where they open the global event against South Africa.
In the evening of Concacaf Champions Cup action where South African defender Olwethu Makhanya was in action for the Bradley Carnell-led Philadelphia Union, against Mexican giants Club América – Malagón was stretchered off with a reported Achilles tear in the game.
Having won 1-0 against the Major League Soccer outfit, it came at a cost with head coach Andre Jardine stating the first half injury appears to be ‘serious’.
“It seems like a somewhat serious injury,” he said as per EPSN FC.
“We’ll see, probably an Achilles tendon injury, hopefully not a complete tear, but probably at least a partial rupture, which will keep him out of action for quite some time.
“The win was important, but in the end, there was a feeling of a bit of sadness for Malagón, we love him very much.”
There could now be a chance for 40-year-old Guillermo Ochoa, currently in Cyprus with AEL Limassol, who has been part of four previous World Cup squads, in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018.
Mexico opens their World Cup account against Bafana Bafana on 11 June at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, in what will be a repeat of the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening match at FNB Stadium.
Siphiwe Tshabalala opened the account for the hosts in the 55th minute but the Mexicans spoiled what would’ve been a memorable first opening win at the global spectacle with veteran defender Rafael Marques equalizing in the 79th minute for a 1-1 share of the spoils.
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