Every four years, the World Cup offers players a global stage not only to fulfill a lifelong dream of representing their countries in the world's biggest soccer tournament, but also to boost their profiles and draw attention from European clubs with breakout performances.
For Armando "La Hormiga" González, the 2026 World Cup could not have come at a better time. The 23-year-old striker is in the best form of his young career after back-to-back Liga MX seasons as the leading scorer for Chivas de Guadalajara.
Since breaking into the first team during the Clausura 2024 season, González has gradually become the main attacking reference under Argentine coach Gabriel Milito. Over the last two league tournaments, González has scored 24 of Chivas' 62 goals in Liga MX, accounting for nearly 40% of the team's total scoring output.
During the Apertura 2025 season, his first as a regular starter, "La Hormiga" scored 12 goals and shared the league scoring title, becoming the first Chivas player to lead Liga MX in goals since Alan Pulido in the Apertura 2019 tournament.
His strong club form earned him a call-up to the Mexican national team last November, and he has since remained part of Aguirre's squads for the friendly matches ahead of the World Cup and his name is among the provisional 55-man squad announced by Aguirre for the tournament.
Aguirre, who will coach Mexico at a World Cup for the third time, said in March that González's future is bright and that he has the talent to "bring a lot of joy" to Mexican soccer. Still, despite acknowledging his level, Aguirre noted it will be difficult to decide which forwards make the final roster for a World Cup on home soil.
To earn a place in the starting XI, González will have to compete with Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez, who has scored 21 goals over the past two Premier League seasons and has established himself as Mexico's top attacking option under Aguirre.
Alongside Jiménez are Santiago Giménez, the AC Milan forward, and Julián Quiñones, who has scored 30 goals this season in the Saudi Pro League, but under Aguirre has operated as a winger rather than a traditional number '9'.
Since returning to the national team, Aguirre has generally favored a three-forward system with only one natural striker. In his tactical setup, he looks for a No. 9 who can link play outside the box and contribute in buildup phases in the final third.
Despite his recent scoring output, González profiles as a traditional box striker, a style that may not fully align with Aguirre's system and ultimately could limit his minutes during the tournament.
Of the 50 shots he has taken since the Apertura 2025 season, only four have come from outside the penalty area, supporting the view that he is most comfortable operating inside the opposition's box.
Even with those limitations, González continues to refine his game. Milito has praised his recent improvement in build-up play and positioning.
"I like his evolution in the game and the progress he has made," Milito said. "In recent months he has improved with his back to goal, which was an area he could still develop, and that gives us more continuity in attack."
Mexico will open its World Cup campaign on home soil June 11 against South Africa at the former Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
