By Wilson Florez
Érik Lira is on the pre-list of the Mexican team for the 2026 World Cup. The Cruz Azul defender is among the 55 players that Javier Aguirre will evaluate for the World Cup. Israel Lopez, former El Tri player, considers that Lira has the conditions to be a starter in the World Cup.
Israel López knows the football development of Érik Lira closely. The defender of “La Maquina” is one of the most highly valued pieces in all of Mexican soccer. López considers that Lira should enter the “Vasco” final list. Furthermore, the ex-footballer believes that Lira has the capabilities to play as a starter in the World Cup and make the leap to Europe.
“I am very happy to see him succeed and, without a doubt, I think he has the level to reach Europe and be a starter for the Mexican team in the World Cup. He is dynamic, shows commitment and professionalism, and represents the spirit and determination of the Pumas players. Having been part of their process, along with other technicians, makes me very proud,” López said in an interview with Récord.
🚨🇲🇽 Erik Lira is heading to Europe…
✍️ In step with @Jovenesfutmx, Girona and Cruz Azul are currently in talks for the Mexican midfielder
🇪🇸 The Spanish facet sees Lira as a solid fit and is planning a doable transfer after the World Cup
👀 A profile worship his disciplined,… pic.twitter.com/asIUgmc0fb
— NextMex (@NextMexOficial) April 27, 2026
Israel López is a voice capable of speaking about Erik Lira’s football development. López had the opportunity to know him since he was a youth. The former El Tri player The mentality of that young man trained in the UNAM Pumas stood out.
“I met Erik Lira when I was 15 years oldwhen he joined Pumas and began to direct them in different categories: Under-15, Under-17, Under-20 and then in the first division. It is satisfying to see how he evolved as a footballer and personally. He was always a dedicated and exemplary young man; He was my captain many times for his leadership and good qualities.“he recalled.
Erik Lira has not yet played his first World Cup. Although he made his debut in the Mexican team for 2021, Lira was not among those called up for Qatar 2022. Erik Lira accumulates 22 games with the El Tri shirt. The Cruz Azul defender has been on the field for 1,419 minutes. Lira has seen action in the last 8 games of the Mexican team.
Érik Lira’s numbers in the Clausura 2026
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