Two former PSV players not going to the World Cup, careers take a sharp downturn
1 min readOn June 11, the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Just like in 2010, Mexico kicks off the World Cup with a match against South Africa. Among the Mexicans, there are a number of notable absentees, whose careers have gone significantly downhill.
That last applies especially to Hirving Lozano. With the Mexican national team, former PSV player Erick Gutierrez and Hirving Lozano therefore also don’t have to count on a place in the World Cup squad. Both players are not on the list of 55 footballers from which the head coach of Mexico must assemble a squad of 26 players.
Lozano was active for two periods at PSV and, in the winter of the previous season, the winger decided to move to San Diego in Major League Soccer so he could prepare as best as possible for the World Cup. However, his transfer to the United States went differently than hoped.
At the beginning, Lozano still played many matches for the club from San Diego, but later had a falling out with his coach. Largely because of this, this calendar year he has not yet played a single minute in the MLS, and the club management has also been pushing for a departure for the former PSV forward for some time.
Former teammate Gutierrez also has not played a single minute for his club Chivas Guadalajara this calendar year in his home country, and this also seems to have cost him a place in the World Cup squad. Richy Ledezma, who left PSV last summer, chose an international career with Mexico over the United States and is making a good case for a spot in the World Cup squad.
Comments12
The way the article talks about the wide options felt spot on. Still, I want to see more end product when those balls get delivered, otherwise it's all nice buildup and not enough goals.
Calling it now, if they can get a bit more pace on the wings, Gakpo and the front line will look way sharper. Also, credit to the coach for sticking with the same identity, PSV shouldnt be scared to play their way.
I'm excited about the rotation talk, because PSV have the depth now. It can't just be a freshness thing though, the replacements must keep the same intensity. If they manage that, we can go far.
As a neutral observer, PSV look like they have a clear identity, but sometimes they get too predictable. If opponents pack the middle, we need more variation, like quick switches and a direct runner.
I'm not fully convinced by the midfield balance they mentioned. When the press gets bypassed, PSV can look a bit stretched, and that's where big teams will punish them.
I think the midfield balance is still the big question. When the fullbacks push up, PSV sometimes get exposed in transition, and the article didnt fully address how they fix that without losing control.
Honestly, the biggest question is still finishing. We create, we move the ball well, but the final decision inside the box is what keeps costy points slipping away. Hopefully the next training block fixes that.
Really liked how PSV are trying to build through the middle instead of just lumping it forward. If they keep that intensity, the chance creation will follow, even if the final ball isnt perfect yet.
The article nailed it about the full-backs. When they overlap early, PSV look so much more dangerous, especially down the left. I just want that to be consistent, not only when we are already on top.
I thought the midfield balance was a bit off. We sometimes look good in bursts, but then we lose control after winning the ball. De Jong and the others need to settle faster when we go 2nd phase.
Love how the article highlights PSV's quick build-up and the intent to attack early. If they keep turning wins into momentum like that, the league race is going to get spicy.
Love how PSV are still finding intensity in the press. If Tillies keeps this tempo, it forces teams into mistakes way higher up. Great signs going into the tougher stretches.