With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Mexico’s national team is ramping up its preparations through a series of international friendlies. First up: a showdown against Japan, followed by a clash with South Korea—two high-profile matchups that will test El Tri’s depth and readiness.

But one name is noticeably absent from the squad list: Julián Quiñones. The Colombian-born forward, who recently transferred to the Saudi Pro League, was left off the roster despite his strong form in the Middle East.

Despite winning titles, Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre chose to leave Julián Quiñones out of the squad. The naturalized Mexican will now focus on the start of the Saudi Pro League season.

Even though Quiñones played a key role for the national team this year—winning both the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup last summer—he has been overlooked for next month’s friendlies.

The former América forward is just beginning his journey in Middle Eastern football with Al-Qadsiah, and with limited official matches under his belt in recent weeks, coaching staff may have opted to give him time to settle into his new club before calling him back to the national team.

Mexico face Japan at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California on September 6, then meet South Korea at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee three days later on September 9.

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