Top 3 Takeaways from Mexico’s September FIFA Window

During the September FIFA international window, La Selección Mexicana faced a significant test, taking on two of Asia’s strongest sides: Japan and South Korea. Head coach Javier ‘El Vasco’ Aguirre was forced to work with a limited squad, as several key U20 players were unavailable while preparing for the upcoming U20 World Cup later this month. Notable absentees included Gilberto Mora, Obed Vargas, and Elías Montiel.

In contrast, both Japan and South Korea brought their full-strength squads, presenting a formidable challenge for Mexico. The result: two hard-fought draws that offered valuable insights ahead of the World Cup. Here are the top three takeaways from Mexico’s September friendlies:

1. Javier Aguirre Still Has Questions About His Best Starting XI

One thing is clear—only four players appear to be undisputed starters for Mexico heading into the World Cup: Luis Ángel Malagón, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, and Raúl Jiménez.

The Montes-Vásquez center-back pairing continues to impress, having not conceded a goal from open play in their last 11 starts together, while Malagón boasts 13 clean sheets in his last 17 matches for El Tri. Up front, it’s Raúl Jiménez y diez más—the veteran striker is in red-hot form and now sits fewer than nine goals away from becoming Mexico’s all-time leading scorer.

However, Aguirre continues to experiment with the remaining positions. With several players still auditioning for key roles, it’s likely we won’t see his definitive starting XI until the March FIFA window, when Mexico will face elite opponents such as Portugal and potentially France.

2. A Two-Striker System Could Unlock Mexico’s Attack

Mexico’s offensive struggles in wide areas and midfield creativity were evident again—but the goals came when it mattered. Raúl Jiménez and Santiago Giménez each found the net against South Korea, both with goals of the highest quality.

Jiménez opened the scoring with a powerful header, assisted by Rodrigo Huescas, showcasing his aerial prowess. Then, in stoppage time, Santi Giménez salvaged the draw with a moment of individual brilliance from the edge of the box.

Given Mexico’s lack of chance creation from the flanks and midfield, pairing Raúl and Santi up top may be the most effective way forward. They’ve shown they can deliver when even the smallest opportunity arises—and when both are in form, it’s a tactical necessity to get them on the field together.

3. Mexico’s Midfield Future Lies in Youth

The absence of Gil Mora, Obed Vargas, and Elías Montiel was strongly felt. Mexico’s midfield once again relied on familiar names like Orbelín Pineda and Carlos ‘Charly’ Rodríguez, who have had ample opportunities but continue to deliver inconsistent performances at international level.

Rodríguez provided a decent spark off the bench against South Korea, but overall, the midfield lacked dynamism and control—highlighting the need for new blood.

Looking ahead, Mexico must integrate Mora, Montiel, and Vargas into the senior squad. All three are among the country's most highly regarded young prospects and could offer a fresh, more dynamic presence in midfield that has been sorely missing.

Final Thoughts

While Mexico came away from the September window without a win, it was a productive and informative stretch for Javier Aguirre and his staff. The performances revealed both the strengths to build on and the weaknesses that must be addressed in the lead-up to the World Cup. With more talent returning for future camps, and tougher tests on the horizon, Mexico’s path toward tournament readiness is beginning to take shape.