Mexico’s 2026 World Cup preparation has taken another hit after young defender Jesús Orozco went down with a frightening ankle injury during the Liga MX semifinals. The incident happened while he was trying to block a shot for Cruz Azul in their comeback attempt against Tigres. His ankle twisted badly after contact with the ball, and he immediately collapsed in pain.

Reports confirmed that Orozco dislocated his ankle, and doctors fear there may also be ligament damage. Early estimates suggest he could be out for three to four months, but if the ligament is torn, the recovery could stretch to six months. Cruz Azul coach Nicolás Larcamón said the club will only give a full timeline after all medical tests are complete.

For Cruz Azul, the injury means finding a new defender for the rest of the season. But for the Mexico national team, the situation is even more worrying. Orozco had become a trusted backup for Johan Vásquez, especially because he is one of the few left-footed center backs available. Coach Javier Aguirre will now need to look at other options, as he cannot wait for Orozco to fully recover while the World Cup gets closer.

This injury also adds to Mexico’s growing list of long-term absences. In the past six months, Rodrigo Huescas and Luis Chávez both tore their ACLs, putting pressure on Mexico’s depth.

After the match, Orozco posted a message online thanking fans, teammates, and Cruz Azul staff for supporting him through the difficult moment. He also mentioned that Tigres fans showed him great respect by applauding him as he left the field. He said the journey ahead will be tough, but he believes he will return stronger.