The controversy that divides Mexico before the World Cup
The clock is ticking and Javier Aguirre will soon announce his list for the 2026 World Cup. Among the names that generate the most noise are those of naturalized soccer players. Germán Berterame and Julián Quiñones are some who have ignited the debate.
Do they deserve a place? The question is not new, but now it has strong voices against it.
‘Let heartfelt Mexicans play’
Pablo Barrera, former national team player, said it bluntly in ‘Futbol Picante’. For him, the Tri jersey should only be for those born in Mexico.
“I would better give the opportunity to a Mexican. Without mentioning names, I have had naturalized teammates who do not view the National Team favorably, they only see it to experience a World Cup,”
revealed the former Pumas player. Their argument is clear: pride feels different when it’s your land you represent.
Barrera knows the subject first-hand. He played with naturalized players like Guillermo Franco and Sinha in the National Team, and with Rogelio Funes Mori in clubs.
“He who was born in the country feels it… seeing your flag at the top, and you die for your team,”
expressed with the emotion of someone who lived those moments.
Your position is not alone. Héctor Herrera, another former international, has also expressed his disagreement with players born abroad defending the tricolor shirt in a World Cup.
The topic is thorny. On the one hand there is the law that makes them Mexican; on the other, a deep-rooted feeling about what it means to wear those colors. While Aguirre defines his list, this discussion goes beyond the playing field. It talks about identity, belonging and what it really means to represent a country.
