Mexican National Team Players Revealed for Panini Album; Armando González Absent, but César Huerta and Luis Ángel Malagón Included

The highly anticipated Panini sticker album for the 2026 World Cup has arrived, and as always, it's a major talking point for Mexican football fans. El Universal, a publication deeply connected to the pulse of Mexican culture and sports, notes the usual mix of excitement and surprise that accompanies the release.

This year, the album's selection for the Mexican National Team has raised eyebrows. While iconic players like Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano and Santiago Giménez are present, the inclusion of players like Erick Sánchez and César Huerta, who face an uphill battle to make the final squad, has sparked debate. Conversely, the absence of Armando González, currently the top Mexican scorer, and Chivas' promising goalkeeper Raúl 'Tala' Rangel, has left many fans questioning the selection criteria.

From our perspective at El Universal, the Panini album is more than just a collection of stickers; it's a snapshot of the national football consciousness. It reflects not only the players currently in favor but also the hopes and expectations of the fanbase. The discrepancies between the album's lineup and the likely World Cup squad highlight the perennial challenge of balancing current form, future potential, and fan sentiment. This discussion is uniquely Mexican, where the national team evokes a passion that transcends the sport itself, making every detail, down to the stickers in an album, a matter of national importance.