Mexico Reveals World Cup 2026 Jersey Numbers: Ochoa Keeps 13, Gimenez Gets 11

Nine days before Mexico kicks off its World Cup campaign against South Africa at Estadio Ciudad de México, the national team has revealed who's wearing what. And the numbers tell their own story.

FIFA rules limit squads to jerseys numbered 1 through 26, which means every player's number is a statement, whether they like it or not. Mexico's roster, managed by Javier Aguirre, has some familiar assignments and a few interesting choices.

Guillermo Ochoa keeps his iconic number 13. The veteran goalkeeper, now in what is likely his final World Cup, has made the supposedly unlucky number his personal brand across multiple tournaments. No one was taking that off him.

Raúl Jiménez gets the number 9, the classic striker's jersey. Jiménez, who plays for Fulham in the Premier League, carries the weight of Mexico's goal-scoring expectations in that number. It's a shirt that has been worn by some of the country's greatest forwards, and Jiménez knows the history.

Alexis Vega takes the 10, the most coveted number in any squad. Vega, who returned to form with Toluca after a difficult stretch, will be the creative engine behind Mexico's attack.

Álvaro Fidalgo gets the 8, the same number he wore during his last stint with Club América. It's his first major tournament with the national team, and the number signals the central midfield role Aguirre has in mind for him.

The Full Roster

Here's the complete number assignment for Mexico's 26-man World Cup squad:

• 1 - Raúl Rangel (goalkeeper)
• 2 - Jorge Sánchez (defender)
• 3 - César Montes (defender)
• 4 - Edson Álvarez (midfielder)
• 5 - Johan Vásquez (defender)
• 6 - Erik Lira (midfielder)
• 7 - Luis Romo (midfielder)
• 8 - Álvaro Fidalgo (midfielder)
• 9 - Raúl Jiménez (forward)
• 10 - Alexis Vega (forward)
• 11 - Santiago Giménez (forward)
• 12 - Carlos Acevedo (goalkeeper)
• 13 - Guillermo Ochoa (goalkeeper)
• 14 - Armando González
• 15 - Israel Reyes (defender)
• 16 - Julián Quiñones (forward)
• 17 - Orbelín Pineda (midfielder)
• 18 - Obed Vargas (midfielder)
• 19 - Gilberto Mora
• 20 - Mateo Chávez
• 21 - César Huerta (forward)
• 22 - Guillermo Martínez
• 23 - Jesús Gallardo (defender)
• 24 - Luis Chávez (midfielder)
• 25 - Roberto Alvarado (forward)
• 26 - Brian Gutiérrez (midfielder)

The squad is a blend of experience and youth. Ochoa (13), Jiménez (9), and Gallardo (23) represent the old guard, players who've been through multiple World Cup cycles and know what the tournament demands. Vega (10), Fidalgo (8), and Santiago Giménez (11) are the new generation, carrying the hopes of a country that hasn't made it past the Round of 16 since 1986.

Giménez at 11 is interesting. The Feyenoord striker could have demanded the 9, but the number went to Jiménez instead. Whether that reflects a hierarchy or just a preference is anyone's guess, but it suggests Aguirre sees Jiménez as the starting striker with Giménez as a potent alternative.

Mexico opens against South Africa on June 11 in a match that, on paper, should be a comfortable win. The real tests come later in the group stage, and Aguirre's squad selection, down to the numbers, reflects a team that's trying to balance veteran leadership with the energy of younger players.

The jersey numbers are a small detail in the grand scheme of a World Cup campaign. But in Mexico, where football is religion and every squad decision is dissected by millions of fans, they matter. The number on your back is part of your identity, and for 26 players, that identity is now official.

Mexico's World Cup starts in nine days. The numbers are set. Now it's time to see if the players wearing them can deliver.