Henry Martín

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Henry Martín's FIFA World Cup 2026 Prospects: A Race Against Injuries and Time

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, Mexican striker Henry Martín faces a critical period to secure his spot in the national squad, with his prospects heavily influenced by a challenging 2025 plagued by injuries and a resulting lack of consistent playtime. While his experience and past performance offer a glimmer of hope, his recent fitness struggles and emerging competition pose significant hurdles.

Latest News and Injury Woes

The year 2025 proved to be a "dark year" for Henry Martín, marred by a series of physical setbacks that severely limited his involvement with Club América. He has battled various injuries, including knee, Achilles tendon, muscle, thigh, and ankle issues. Notably, he suffered a sprained left knee in September 2025 and an Achilles tendon injury in October 2025, which sidelined him for at least four weeks. These recurring problems led to him playing only 112 minutes in the Apertura 2025 Liga MX season, where he failed to register any goals or assists. As of early January 2026, Martín is reportedly in the final stages of recovery from his knee injury and is expected to be back in top shape for the Clausura 2026 tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Prospects and Analysis

Martín's consistent injuries have directly impacted his standing with the Mexican national team. He was conspicuously absent from recent call-ups by manager Javier Aguirre throughout 2025, raising significant concerns about his inclusion in the 2026 World Cup roster. His last appearance for El Tri was in November 2024, where he scored two goals against Honduras.

Despite this challenging period, some football analysts, such as Carlos Reinoso, remain optimistic, predicting that Martín will regain his scoring form in 2026 and earn a spot in the World Cup squad. However, other reports suggest that his chances are currently "nil" due to his recent setbacks.

The competition for a striker position in the Mexican national team is also a factor. Raúl Jiménez is anticipated to be a key forward for Mexico, and Santiago Giménez, despite a rough start to the season and recent injury concerns, is also expected to be in contention. The emergence of talents like Armando González further intensifies the competition.

For Martín, who will be 33 years old by the World Cup, the upcoming Clausura 2026 season will be crucial. He needs to demonstrate consistent fitness, regain his prolific scoring touch, and prove to Javier Aguirre that he can be a reliable asset. While Mexico, as co-hosts, has already secured qualification and recently won the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League, the focus will be on building a strong and in-form squad. Henry Martín's ability to overcome his injury spell and consistently perform at a high level will be the determining factor in his pursuit of a second World Cup appearance.