The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has made a strategic decision to postpone the establishment of a dedicated project for the Mexico U-23 national team. This move comes as the federation channels its immediate focus and resources into the national Under-20 squad, currently preparing for the upcoming World Cup in Chile next year. This decision underscores the FMF’s emphasis on nurturing and developing the younger generation of players, currently under the guidance of coach Eduardo Arce.
This shift in priorities means that Ricardo Cadena and his technical staff are currently outside of the national team structure. Their departure follows an extended evaluation period for players who were not part of the Paris 2024 Olympics cycle. The aim was to ensure that this generation of footballers would not be overlooked in future plans.
FMF announces postponement of U-23 project until 2025
What’s Next for the Mexico U-23 Team?
The delay in developing the U-23 project is directly linked to the need to solidify the foundation of the U-20 team as they gear up for the global tournament. Expectations are high for the U-20s, with hopes that they will perform exceptionally well in Chile.
It’s worth noting that this age group secured their place in the World Cup after a thrilling 2-1 victory against Costa Rica in the qualifying tournament held in Irapuato. In that match, the team demonstrated resilience by coming from behind to clinch their qualification. This generation of players is considered crucial, not only for the upcoming World Cup but also as a stepping stone towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Potential U-23 Players Overlooked for Paris 2024
Mexico’s failure to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics left a pool of talented footballers without the anticipated Olympic pathway. Notable players who might have been part of that cycle include:
- Alex Padilla
- Fernando Tapia
- Efran Álvarez
- Fidel Ambriz
- Erik Lira
- Rodrigo Huescas
- Marcelo Flores
The FMF’s strategy is centered on building a robust foundation for the future of Mexican football through a successful U-20 World Cup campaign. This approach aims to guarantee a consistent flow of talent into the senior national team. The success of the U-20s could pave the way for the development of a strong Mexico U-23 national team project, which will be vital for the growth and competitiveness of Mexican football in the years to come.
