Fidalgo shuts the door on El Tri despite growing calls for his inclusion ahead of the 2026 World Cup
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup creeping ever closer, anticipation is building across the three host nations—Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It’s a tournament that promises to be historic, and naturally, attention has turned toward who might be wearing the green jersey when the eyes of the world turn to North America. One name that’s surfaced more and more frequently in Mexican football circles is that of Club América’s Spanish midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo.
A fan favourite at the Estadio Azteca, Fidalgo has been instrumental in América’s recent dominance, helping guide the club to three straight Liga MX titles. His performances, vision, and consistency have endeared him to fans and pundits alike, and his four-year residency in Mexico—combined with his newly acquired Mexican nationality—have made him eligible to represent El Tri starting next year.
But in a candid recent interview, Fidalgo made it clear: a future with the Mexico national team isn’t something he sees for himself.
“If You Ask Me Today, the Answer Is No”
Speaking to ESPN, Fidalgo opened up about his current mindset, his commitment to Club América, and why the idea of pulling on the green shirt hasn’t taken root. Despite being on the verge of eligibility, the 27-year-old was refreshingly honest.
“I have one year left on my contract, and it’s a very complicated topic,” he explained. “Honestly, I don’t know exactly how the situation stands. Maybe the coach doesn’t like me—it’s a tricky subject. There’s still a lot of time before the World Cup, and I don’t know what to say.”
And then came the line that cut through all the speculation: “To be honest, if you ask me today if I’ve thought about it or planned for it, the answer is no. I’m focused on the present, on what’s happening now, and for many reasons, I don’t see myself on the Mexican national team.”
It wasn’t an outright rejection of the possibility, but it certainly wasn’t a hopeful tease either. Fidalgo’s tone was more grounded than dismissive, more pragmatic than dramatic. He sounded like a player focused entirely on the club he represents, not the country he might one day be eligible to play for.
A Star at Club América, But Not Chasing International Dreams
Fidalgo’s rise at América has been nothing short of impressive. Since arriving in 2021, he’s racked up nearly 200 appearances in the iconic yellow and blue, won over fans with his intelligence and work rate, and even captained the side in the absence of Henry Martín. His influence extends far beyond the stat sheet.
Yet, even as the media has pushed the narrative of “Fidalgo for El Tri,” the man himself has remained distant from the discussion. And while Mexico has a tradition of naturalising foreign talent—especially those who shine in Liga MX—it’s always a tricky subject when the player in question isn’t the one driving the conversation.
Fidalgo’s hesitance likely stems from more than just professional uncertainty. For all his success in Mexico, he still identifies as Spanish, and there’s no sign that playing for a national team—any national team—is a personal goal. His love for the club game, especially for América, seems to take precedence.
Respect for El Tri, and Recognition of Mexico’s Midfield Depth
What made Fidalgo’s comments especially telling wasn’t just what he ruled out—it was what he praised. Despite downplaying the idea of joining the national team setup, he didn’t miss the opportunity to applaud the current crop of Mexican midfielders.
“There are many quality players in those positions,” he said, reeling off names like Edson Álvarez, Erik Lira, and Israel Reyes in the holding role. “In the No. 8 role, you have ‘Chiquito’ Sánchez, Luis Chávez, Charly Rodríguez, Marcel Ruiz, and a very promising young player in Elías Montiel. As a No. 10, you’ve got Julián [Quiñones], Orbelín [Pineda], Carlos Rodríguez, and many other great players.”
His words were more than just courteous—they reflected a deep understanding and respect for Mexican football, both tactically and structurally. If nothing else, Fidalgo is a keen observer of the game around him. And perhaps that’s part of why he’s not eager to jump the line: he sees the strength in the current system and doesn’t feel the need to disrupt it.
National Pride vs. Club Legacy
It’s not uncommon for foreign-born players to adopt new nationalities and new colours. In fact, Mexican football has long opened its doors to such transitions—Leandro Augusto, Antonio Naelson “Sinha”, and more recently, Julián Quiñones, are proof that paths to El Tri aren’t always born in Mexico.
But Fidalgo’s case is different. There’s been no lobbying, no public push from the player himself. His stance feels less like rejection and more like realism. For him, the focus remains on continuing to make history with América, not chasing a dream that doesn’t burn within him.
What Lies Ahead
Fidalgo’s future at Club América remains uncertain beyond next season, and that alone may shift the conversation once again. A departure from Liga MX could close the door entirely on any hypothetical Mexico national team call-up. Or maybe, with time and reflection, he’ll feel differently as 2026 approaches.
In the meantime, Javier Aguirre’s El Tri squad will continue its preparations without him. The team is set to face Switzerland on June 7 in Utah and Turkey on June 10 in North Carolina before kicking off their Gold Cup campaign on June 14. And while Fidalgo won’t be in the mix, there’s no shortage of midfield talent eager to step up.
As for the Spaniard, his story in Mexico is far from over—but for now, it’s a club story, not a national one.
