Mexico national team head coach Javier Aguirre has decided to bench midfielder Brian Gutierrez for the crucial World Cup round of 32 match against Ecuador on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Aguirre opted to start Gilberto Mora from Xolos de Tijuana in the midfield role instead, finalizing the lineup at the Estadio Ciudad de Mexico.
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The decision comes after Aguirre considered various alternatives to counter Ecuador's midfield duo of Pedro Vite and Moises Caicedo.
Gutierrez, a dual-national who previously represented the United States at youth levels, was relegated to the bench following subpar performances during the group stage against South Africa and South Korea.
The Chivas midfielder acknowledged his recent struggles on the pitch but remained optimistic before the lineup announcement.
"No han sido los mejores partidos para mí. Creo que puedo mejorar, no es lo que esperaba la gente de mí; pero tengo esa autocrítica.
El futbol te da revanchas y esa revancha es el martes para mí," Gutierrez told TUDN.
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Despite the roster adjustment, Gutierrez emphasized that the entire Mexican squad maintains high expectations for advancing further in the tournament hosted on home soil.
"Creo que es ganar o ganar. No hay de otra.
Nosotros nos vemos ya en Octavos, sin embargo, la primera fase es el martes contra Ecuador.
A la afición, que nos sigan apoyando; vamos a dar lo que podemos dar. Le queremos dar esa alegría al país," added Gutierrez.
Potential Substitute Role
According to reports from bolavip.
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com, Aguirre remains open to utilizing Gutierrez as a tactical substitute later in the match should Mexico encounter complications on the field.
