Toluca faced a 3-2 loss to San Diego FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday, placing them a goal behind in the aggregate round.
This outcome may have significant implications for the Mexican national team.
Star midfielder Marcel Ruiz exited the field in tears after being substituted in the 40th minute. On Friday, Toluca confirmed that the 25-year-old suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, ruling him out of the World Cup this summer.
“Our midfielder will have surgery in the coming days, and his recovery will depend on his healing progress,” Toluca stated.
In his 24 matches (21 starts) this season with Toluca, Ruiz scored three goals and provided four assists, playing a key role in securing the 2025 Liga MX Apertura championship. He had been a regular with the national team and was expected to make the World Cup squad.
Additionally, Mexico goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon sustained a torn Achilles during Club America’s Champions Cup win over Philadelphia on Tuesday. He was anticipated to be the starting goalkeeper for the national team but will now miss the World Cup.
Mexico, co-hosting the World Cup with the United States and Canada, will begin their campaign against South Africa on June 11, followed by a match against South Korea on June 18, and will play a UEFA opponent on June 24 to complete Group A play. All matches will take place in Mexico.