The Mexican national team continues their preparation for the 2026 World Cup as they take on Panama in Panama City tonight.
It will be Mexico's first match of 2026 after playing six friendly matches in the second half of 2025. Mexico will play against Panama tonight and then against Bolivia on Sunday.
Both matches are extra matches for the Mexican national team, who will play friendly matches like other national teams in March and April.
Mexico will only play with Liga MX players, and head coach Javier Aguirre has called up Tijuana star Gilberto Mora. Mora is seen as the future of Mexican football, and he continues to be a strong candidate to be a part of the Mexico roster for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite the call-up, Mora is not part of the Mexico squad for the match against Panama as he is not starting, nor is he part of the bench.
Why Gilberto Mora won't play against Panama
Ahead of the match against Panama, Gilberto Mora reportedly ruled himself out of the Mexican national team due to some discomfort.
It was revealed that Mora is suffering from a pubalgia injury, which can keep him out of the pitch for two months. Medical staff are worried about this injury since the teenage star has been dealing with it since the beginning of the new year.
Mora will also miss the match against Bolivia this weekend and the next couple of matches for Tijuana in Liga MX during the 2026 Clausura.
Do you think Gilberto Mora's absence will affect Mexico in the friendly match against Panama tonight? Let us know your thoughts.