Mexico selects preliminary roster for 2022 World Cup team
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Wilmar Barrios #5 of Colombia scores a goal past goal keeper Guillermo Ochoa #13 of Mexico in the second half of the Mextour Send Off at Levi's Stadium on September 27, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. Colombia
The Mexican national team announced the 31 players who could represent the country in next month's World Cup.
"El Tri" released its roster for friendly matches in Europe next month on Wednesday. The games are viewed as a tune up for the World Cup, and the team will have to cut five of the players before the Nov. 14 deadline.
Shockingly, Mexico's all-time top scorer, LA Galaxy star Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, was left off of the team.
Mexico opens its tournament against Poland on Nov. 22, before playing Lionel Messi and Argentina on Nov. 26, and Saudi Arabia on Nov. 30.
The 31 players announced on Wednesday includes:
Goalkeepers: Rodolfo Cota, Guillermo Ochoa, Alfredo Talavera
Defenders: Kevin Alvarez, Jesus Angulo, Nestro Araujo, Gerardo Arteaga, Jesus Gallardo, Hector Moreno, Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez, Johan Vasquez
Midfielders: Edson Alvarez, Roberto Alvarado, Uriel Antuna, Luis Chavez, Andres Guardado, Erick Gutierrez, Hector Herrera, Diego Lainez, Orbelin Pinea, Carlos Rodriguez, Luis Romo, Erick Sanchez, Jesus Corona, Hirving Lozano
Forwards: Rogelio Funes Mori, Santiago Gimenez, Raul Jimenez, Henry Martin, Alexis Vega
The United States is expected to announce its final, 26-player World Cup roster on Nov. 9 in New York City.
The U.S. Soccer Federation is currently holding a training camp in Frisco until Nov. 5 to keep players fit leading up to this year's tournament.
READ MORE: 2022 World Cup schedule: Full list of groups and matches in Qatar
The World Cup begins on Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. when Qatar takes on Ecuador.