Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will not take part in the 2026 World Cup, despite being Mexico’s all-time leading scorer. Javier Aguirre decided not to include the forward in the final list of the World Cup.
The absence of the attacker is not a surprise. Chicharito was also not called up to the Qatar 2022 squad and has not played for El Tri since September 6, 2019, when he played a friendly against the United States.
According to various analyses, this solution meets tactical and sporting issues. Aguirre prioritized players who fit better into his scheme and come with more competitive stability.
In addition, the forward is going through a difficult moment in his career. He has been without a team since December 2025 after leaving Chivas, the club for which he scored four goals and played fewer than 900 minutes in his final season.
The forward himself touched on the situation in the national team in early May, when he also did not appear on the preliminary list. ““I always wish him the best and hope things work out for him in the best possible way, with the way they are playing and the process is going the way we would like.”Hernandez said.
Despite rumors of a possible retirement, the 37-year-old footballer made it clear that he will continue his career. “No way, I’m retiring. See you soon”– he assured in a video published on his social networks, where he announced that he would announce his next professional steps in July.
Chicharito lives the World Cup from another trench
Although Chicharito will not be able to attend as a player, he will take part in the 2026 World Cup in a different role. The forward joined the team of commentators and analysts of the sports channel, as was officially announced. which will allow him to remain connected to the most important tournament in world football, albeit this time from the broadcast booth rather than from the playing field, where he wrote much of his successful career as Mexico’s all-time leading scorer.