MEXICO CITY — Javier Aguirre has seen enough. After a World Cup group stage exit in Qatar — Mexico's first failure to advance since 1978 — the longtime national team coach turned to a new generation, betting heavily on youth to reverse fortunes on home soil.
The roster features 13 players who were not part of the squad four years ago.
The youngest experiment
Midfielder Gilberto Mora, all of 17 years old, could become the youngest Mexican man to play at a World Cup. Currently the record belongs to Manuel "Chaquetas" Rosas, who was 18 years and 88 days old when he took the field in 1930.
If Mora debuts during the June 11 opener against South Africa, he'll slot in as the sixth or seventh youngest player in World Cup history. Northern Ireland's Norman Whiteside holds the overall record at 17 years old in 1982.
Veteran anchor
Also along for a sixth World Cup run is goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, whose longevity borders on stubbornness. Though he's started only three tournaments and currently sits as backup to Raúl Rangel, Aguirre clearly values the experience in a young group.
Mexico opens against South Africa at the Azteca, plays South Korea in Guadalajara, and closes group stage play versus Czechia on June 24.
The squad expects one more tuneup, against Serbia, carrying a seven-match unbeaten streak into the tournament.
Squad:Goalkeepers: Raúl Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo.
Defenders: Jesús Gallardo, Johan Vázquez, Israel Reyes, César Montes, Jorge Sánchez, Mateo Chávez.
Midfielders: Edson Álvarez, Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo, Gilberto Mora, Brian Gutiérrez, Luis Romo, Or belín Pineda, Alexis Vega, Obed Vargas, Luis Chávez.
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Santiago Giménez, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones, Armando González, Guillermo Martínez, César Huerta.