Good vibes from the National Palace

Alma E. Muñoz and Arturo Sánchez

La Jornada Newspaper, Friday, May 30, 2025, p. a10

From the National Palace, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo yesterday sent her best wishes and recognition to cyclist Isaac del Toro, after he became the first Mexican to win a stage of the Giro d'Italia in 23 years. Let's cheer him on from here, all the good vibes .

Faced with the shouts of some reporters in the Treasury Hall, who shouted , "Don't throw salt in the pan because the competition isn't over yet ," the President, smiling, added: "That's what we say in Mexico. From here, we're all cheering for him."

Our affection, recognition, and best wishes to Del Toro, the president said.

During the town's morning press conference, he also indicated that organizational meetings—led by the Ministry of the Interior—are continuing for the 2026 World Cup soccer matches to be played in Mexico.

There are many issues related to the World Cup, from security to logistics and improvements in various areas. The head of government (Clara Brugada) has already presented a comprehensive project for Mexico City, and we will support her on several issues.

The same, he added, applies to Jalisco and Nuevo León. Once we have all this, we'll of course report on how we're preparing .

–Are you going to participate in the trophy reception in mid-June?

–It's likely. It's a very important event worldwide and for Mexico, not only because of the matches that will be played here and what the soccer fans represent, but also because it showcases our country and helps us boost tourism.

So it's a good time for the tricolor fans and for Mexico. Of course, we're preparing for it , he said.

Erendira Palma Hernández

La Jornada Newspaper, Friday, May 30, 2025, p. a11

He barely signed with Dutch club Az Alkmaar when opportunities began to arrive for Mateo Chávez, a 21-year-old youngster who surprised everyone with his early transition to Europe. The defender, who came through the Chivas youth system, achieved such notoriety that he received his first call-up to the senior national team to face Switzerland and Turkey in friendlies, a training camp that will be key for coach Javier Vasco Aguirre with the Gold Cup approaching.

(The possibility of being called up) is one of the reasons why I decided to go to Europe. There was a lot of competition from high-quality players, so I had to look for an opportunity to grow , said Chávez, who is gaining confidence when speaking in front of the media.

Just over a year after making his professional debut, Chávez took a risk by leaving Chivas to sign a five-year contract with Az Alkmaar of the Dutch Eredivisie, a league known for its formative nature.

Many times it's not the players' decisions (to go to Europe), it can't be finalized for one reason or another, but the young footballer is brave, sometimes he needs to take a little leap, but he is brave , he maintained.

Chávez is part of a roster that Aguirre will use to decide which players will seek to retain the Gold Cup title, a title that typically grants the winning team the top spot in CONCACAF and which has sparked a fierce battle between Mexico and the United States.

Vasco Aguirre also took advantage of this gathering to see the talents of the new generations, such as Mateo and even other members of the U-20 team.

▲ Mateo Chávez, 21, (left), gained notoriety for his early departure to Europe, after leaving Chivas to sign with Az Alkmaar in the Netherlands. Photo by Cristina Rodríguez

Chávez's call-up could serve to showcase the footballing abilities that took him to Europe for the national team, or at least to gain experience with experienced teammates like Johan Vásquez, who migrated to Italy a few years ago, as well as Edson Álvarez, a key player for the Tricolor and who plays for West Ham United.

Just being here is a plus, whether I'm in the Gold Cup or not. I'm looking to make it (to the final squad), but I'm learning a lot; these are experiences I'm grateful for. I want to be in the World Cup, but I know it requires a lot of work. First, I have to earn a spot with my new club. I'm coming here with a willingness to learn , Chávez said regarding his first training session with the Tricolor squad.

In addition to him, other notable players from the Liga MX are seeking consideration by Aguirre for the tournament, such as Chivas goalkeeper Raúl Tala Rangel and midfielder Jeremy Márquez.

While Rangel has established himself in Guadalajara's goal, his rivals on the national team also have a significant football presence. Called up for this training camp were American player Luis Ángel Malagón—who is expected to be a starter—, Alex Padilla (Pumas), and veteran Guillermo Ochoa, who is even fighting in Europe to avoid relegation with AVS.

The final cut will be made in the first week of June, when Aguirre announces the final list of 26 players who will be selected for the Gold Cup, which overlaps with the Club World Cup.

For now, the Tricolor will face Switzerland on June 7 in Salt Lake City; three days later, they will face Turkey in North Carolina.

Erendira Palma Hernández

La Jornada Newspaper, Friday, May 30, 2025, p. a11

In their return to the U-20 World Cup, Mexico will face a tougher challenge than expected after being placed in the so-called group of death . El Tricolor, coached by Eduardo Arce, will face Brazil, Spain, and Morocco in Group C of the Chile 2025 edition, which will be played from September 27 to October 19.

The opening match will be between host Chile and New Zealand, who are in Group A, along with Japan and Egypt.

The most notable absence from this edition is Uruguay, the reigning champion, who failed to qualify to retain their title. Runners-up Italy will face Australia, Argentina, and Cuba, which returned to the tournament after 12 years.

Group B is made up of South Korea, Ukraine, Paraguay, and Panama, while Group F includes the United States, New Caledonia, France, and South Africa. Group F will feature Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Nigeria.

"Football has evolved a lot. If we think we're the giant and we're just going to walk by, well, that's not the case. Unfortunately, we didn't go (to the last World Cup), but that doesn't mean the process with the national team has been good, and we're aiming for much more ," Arce said before the draw.

The Mexican national team returns to a World Cup in this category after a difficult period in which they failed to qualify for the 2023 edition of Argentina, under the command of Luis Pérez, a period that coincided with the failure of the senior team at Qatar 2022 and the absence of the U-23 team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Mexico is currently coached by Eduardo Arce, a former Toluca player who worked in the youth teams of Puebla and Pumas. A peculiarity of this squad is that it could draw on youth players with experience in the Mexican First Division and others who have migrated to Europe early, such as Jordan Carrillo (Feyenoord).

However, one of the uncertainties is the player loan, as the World Cup coincides with the schedule of both the Liga MX and European leagues.

The loan of players from clubs is going to be the most difficult aspect to negotiate, but the teams are very aware that participating in these tournaments is very important for the players. We're on very good terms and have had good communication , Arce said.

Maurice Revello Tournament

Heading into the World Cup, El Tricolor will compete in the Maurice Revello tournament (formerly known as the Toulon Hopes Tournament), where it is notable that they will be competing against players who have found a place in European competitions, such as Carrillo, César Garza (Dundee), and Heriberto Jurado (Cercle Brugge).

Mexico has already won the tournament, defeating Turkey in 2012. Now, its opponents in the group stage will be Denmark, Japan, and Congo. The other group stage includes France, Mali, Panama, and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the U-20 women's national team thrashed Nicaragua 6-0 in their Concacaf World Cup qualifying debut in Costa Rica. Their next opponents will be Panama and Canada.

▲ Pachuca announced Jaime Lozano, former manager of the Mexican national team, as its coach following the departure of Guillermo Almada. Jimmy, who won the Gold Cup and the bronze medal with the Tricolor U-23 team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, will now be tasked with leading the Tuzos in the Club World Cup, which will take place from June 15 to July 13 in the United States, where they will face Real Madrid, Salzburg, and Al Hilal. Photo AFP

La Jornada Newspaper, Friday, May 30, 2025, p. a11