Apr 22, 2026; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Red Bull New York forward Jorge Ruvalcaba (11) reacts after scoring a goal against D.C. United during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Red Bull New York winger Jorge Ruvalcaba could not have put together a better final month to prove that he belonged on Mexico’s World Cup roster.
While being named to Javier Aguirre’s preliminary 55-man roster, he hit his stride in New York after making the jump from Pumas in Liga MX, scoring four goals in four matches in May and making it seven in his last 11 outings.
“The last month before the World Cup call-ups, I think I had a great month,” Ruvalcaba said. “I scored all my goals in that month and just personally was feeling very good. I feel like my finish level got so much better than when I first arrived.”
But that call to be a part of Mexico’s 26-man World Cup roster never came. Guadalajara’s Roberto Alvarado and Al Qadsiah’s (Saudi Arabia) Julian Quinones flanked El Tri’s attack instead. Quinones starred, scoring four goals in five matches, while Alvarado added three assists.
“It’s one of those things where it’s normal to feel disappointment, frustration, a little bit of sadness,” Ruvalcaba admitted. “It’s just decisions that you have to take well. I think it’s things that help you mature in the sport and in life, and at the end of the day, it only makes you want ot work harder. I want to be at the next World Cup for sure. Not being at this one made me realize this feeling. Just seeing my teammates there and the emotions, it makes you want to work so much harder to make sure that you’re at the next one.”
The 24-year-old admitted it was weird watching his national team compete at the famed Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on a TV in New Jersey. He had been trending toward a serious push at the World Cup roster, making his national team debut in a start against Paraguay in a November friendly.
Mexico won their group and advanced to the Round of 16 before falling to England.
“That first game when they played [against South Africa], you see everything. You see your friends and the family they have going to watch the games. It’s not easy,” Ruvalcaba admitted. “But I was very happy. because I had teammates who got to play in the World Cup, so I was very happy for them as well… I just have to keep working hard and see what happens at the next World Cup.”
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