Mexico MF Marcel Ruiz tears ACL, will miss World Cup

Field Level Media
14 Mar 2026, 08:10 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Daniel Jefferson-Imagn Images)

Toluca's 3-2 loss Wednesday to San Diego FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup put the Mexican side a goal down in the two-match aggregate round.

The ramifications for the Mexican national team may be much, much bigger.

Star midfielder Marcel Ruiz left the pitch in tears after being substituted out in the 40th minute. On Friday, Toluca announced the 25-year-old sustained a torn right anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, ending Ruiz's chances at playing in the World Cup this summer.

'Our midfielder will undergo surgery in the upcoming days, and his recovery time will depend on his progress,' Toluca said in a statement.

In 24 matches (21 starts) with Toluca this season, Ruiz collected three goals and four assists, helping his club to the 2025 Liga MX Apertura championship. He had playing with the Mexican national team and was viewed as lock to make the club.

On Tuesday, Mexico goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon sustained a torn Achilles during Club America's Champions Cup victory over Philadelphia. Expected to be the starter for the national team, Malagon will also miss the World Cup.

Mexico, which is co-hosting the World Cup with the United States and Canada, will play South Africa on June 11 in the first match of the World Cup, followed by South Korea on June 18 then a UEFA opponent to be determined to finish Group A play on June 24. All three matches will be played in Mexico.

--Field Level Media

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