Mexico’s injury crisis continues as midfielder Marcel Ruiz tears ACL ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

In three days, Mexico has lost two players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Midfielder Marcel Ruiz tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, his club Toluca announced on Friday.

The 25-year-old Ruiz injured the joint on Wednesday during a CONCACAF Champions Cup match against San Diego of the MLS psf5.

Toluca said in a statement that in addition to the ligament rupture, Ruiz also suffered a meniscus tear in the same joint and will undergo surgery.

«Everyone at this club regrets what happened and we stand in solidarity with him and wish him a speedy recovery,» the team said.

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Mexico will play the World Cup opener against South Africa on June 11. Ruiz played a key role in helping Toluca win their second consecutive championship last December.

Ruiz received his first call-up to the senior national team in 2023 and has been one of the most consistent players since Javier Aguirre took over as manager in August 2024. The midfielder has made 17 appearances with the national team and was expected to go to his first World Cup.

His absence is in addition to Club America goalkeeper Luis Malagon, who was diagnosed on Wednesday with a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left leg.

Mexico have another six players sidelined, although the most serious case is that of right-back Rodrigo Huescas, who tore a knee ligament last November.

Published on March 14, 2026