Toluca manager Antonio Mohamed has thrown his full support behind Alexis Vega, insisting the forward will have an “incredible tournament” at the 2026 World Cup despite recent criticism over his performances for Mexico. The 26-year-old has struggled to replicate his club form with El Tri, but Mohamed believes playing on home soil will inspire him to deliver on the biggest stage.
Mohamed defends Vega amid criticism
Following Mexico’s disappointing performances during the October international window, several players, including Alexis Vega, came under fire for their lack of impact. But Toluca coach Antonio Mohamed has stepped in to defend his star forward, expressing absolute confidence that Vega will be one of Mexico’s standout players when the 2026 World Cup kicks off.
Speaking to TUDN, Mohamed admitted that Vega hasn’t matched his club-level form with the national team but attributed that to the immense pressure surrounding El Tri at the moment.
If you analyze things objectively, very few players are performing at their best level right now,” Mohamed said. “Vega isn’t being as decisive as he is at Toluca — that’s the reality — but once he clears his mind and feels fresh heading into the World Cup, I’m sure he’ll have an incredible tournament. I’m certain of it, no doubt at all.
‘Mexico will dominate at home’
The Argentine tactician, who guided Toluca to a strong start in the Liga MX Apertura, also voiced optimism about Mexico’s chances of making a deep run in the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host alongside the United States and Canada.
Mexico will have a great World Cup, you’ll see, Mohamed added. “Because of the context, the atmosphere, and the fact that they’ll play at home — at the Estadio Azteca, in front of their people — I’m convinced they’ll dominate and win those games.
Club form paints a different picture
While Vega has struggled to make an impact internationally, his domestic form tells a different story. The forward has three goals and eight assists in just 10 matches for Toluca this season — a level of productivity that highlights his importance to the Diablos Rojos.
In contrast, Vega has scored only once in 14 appearances for Mexico in 2025, leading to questions about his consistency on the international stage. Yet, for Mohamed, those criticisms are misplaced — the coach believes Vega’s technical ability, confidence, and creativity will shine once the tournament kicks off on home turf.
Mexico preparing for key November friendlies
El Tri will next face Uruguay on November 15 in Torreón before taking on Paraguay on November 18 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Those matches could offer Vega another chance to silence his critics and cement his place in Jaime Lozano’s plans ahead of the World Cup.
As Mohamed put it, Vega may be struggling now, but with the spotlight soon to fall on Mexican soil in 2026, “he’ll have an incredible tournament — I’m sure of it.”
