“I’m Here to Earn a Place” – Santos Laguna’s Carlos Acevedo Determined to Prove Why He Deserves Mexico’s Goalkeeper Spot

Acevedo Embraces Fierce Competition as He Battles Malagón, Rangel, and Ochoa Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

For Carlos Acevedo, every training session, every save, and every call-up matters. With just three international windows left before the 2026 World Cup, the Santos Laguna captain knows his time to stake a serious claim for a place in Mexico’s national team is now.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper, long admired for his leadership and reflexes, is part of Javier Aguirre’s October camp, joining a crowded and competitive group of goalkeepers that includes Luis Ángel Malagón (Club América), Raúl Rangel (Chivas), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), and Carlos Moreno (Pachuca). The task is straightforward but far from easy — prove he belongs in the conversation for one of El Tri’s three goalkeeping spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host.

A Shot at Redemption and Recognition

For Acevedo, the call-up represents both an opportunity and a second chance. Injuries and club form have seen him drift in and out of the national setup, and his last international appearance came over a year ago — in a 2023 friendly against the United States. But rather than dwell on what’s gone before, he’s embracing the moment.

“I’m happy and proud to be here,” Acevedo told Mexico’s official website earlier this week. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to wear Mexico’s jersey, and I’m eager to work hard to earn a place. I know what it means to represent this country — it’s something you have to fight for every day.”

Those words carry the weight of a player who has seen both highs and lows. Once hailed as the natural successor to Ochoa, Acevedo’s progress was halted by shoulder injuries and a turbulent period for Santos Laguna. But now, with consistency returning and confidence growing, he believes he can show Aguirre and his staff that he’s ready for the next level.

The Race for the Third Goalkeeper Spot

Santos Laguna v Tijuana – Torneo Apertura 2025 Liga MX

In reality, the battle isn’t for the No. 1 shirt — Luis Ángel Malagón has been Mexico’s most dependable performer in goal since Ochoa’s gradual step back from international duty. Raúl Rangel, too, has impressed under Fernando Gago at Chivas, while Carlos Moreno remains a steady presence for Pachuca.

That leaves the third goalkeeper spot — a position that often combines experience, personality, and locker-room presence as much as on-field skill. For Aguirre, that decision will come down to who can offer reliability and leadership if called upon.

Acevedo, with over 200 professional appearances for Santos Laguna and the armband on his sleeve, certainly fits the bill. His reflex saves are spectacular, his communication constant, and his ability to marshal a backline has earned him widespread respect even during difficult seasons.

“There’s great talent in Mexico — you can see it every week,” Acevedo said. “The competition is strong, it’s intense, and you have to be ready for these opportunities. Nobody’s guaranteed a spot. We all have to prove we belong.”

That humility, paired with his determination, may just be what sets him apart.

Strong Competition, Stronger Camaraderie

Santos Laguna v Toluca – Torneo Apertura 2025 Liga MX

Despite the fierce competition, Acevedo insists there’s a deep bond among Mexico’s goalkeepers. Rather than viewing Malagón or Rangel as rivals, he sees them as teammates — part of a group that constantly pushes each other to be better.

“I’ve known Luis Ángel since we were kids at Santos,” he explained. “And I was with Tala [Rangel] during Copa América. We all want the same thing: to help Mexico succeed. We push each other in training, we share ideas, and we’re all learning from Joseba [Ituarte], the new goalkeeping coach. It’s been a fresh and valuable experience.”

This sense of camaraderie reflects the kind of environment Aguirre is trying to foster — one built on professionalism, competition, and mutual respect. Acevedo’s leadership qualities have been instrumental in maintaining that balance, even as each goalkeeper fights for limited spots.

Form Amid Santos Laguna’s Struggles

It hasn’t been an easy domestic campaign for Santos Laguna, who currently sit 16th in the Liga MX Apertura table, but Acevedo’s performances have been one of the few bright spots. In 12 matches, he has made 47 saves, many of them crucial in preventing heavier defeats for a team still finding its rhythm under new management.

Those numbers may not tell the full story — his positioning, command of the box, and resilience under pressure are qualities that can’t always be captured by statistics. For Aguirre, that mental strength could be as important as any highlight-reel stop.

“He’s a fighter,” one Mexican journalist said this week. “Even when things are tough at Santos, he never hides. He takes responsibility, he talks to his defenders, and he lifts his team. That’s the kind of personality you want in a World Cup squad.”

Acevedo knows that his performances at club level will ultimately shape his national team prospects. But he’s confident that if he continues on this path, the rewards will follow.

Learning from Legends

When asked about Guillermo Ochoa, the man whose shadow looms large over every modern Mexican goalkeeper, Acevedo speaks with reverence rather than rivalry.

“Memo has been an incredible reference point for all of us,” he said. “He’s shown what consistency and professionalism look like. To have a career like his is something every goalkeeper dreams of. For me, it’s about learning from him and trying to build my own path.”

That mindset reflects a maturity that has developed over years of highs, lows, and comebacks. It’s not just about proving himself to Aguirre — it’s about continuing to grow as a professional and a person.

A Big Test at AT&T Stadium

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Acevedo and his El Tri teammates won’t have to wait long for their next test. In less than three days, Mexico will face Colombia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas — the home of the Dallas Cowboys and one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup.

The matchup is more than just a friendly. It’s a chance for Aguirre to test his squad against one of South America’s most technical sides and for players like Acevedo to stake their claim under the bright lights.

Mexico hold a slight advantage in their all-time record against Colombia, with 10 wins, 8 losses, and 8 draws, but history will mean little when the whistle blows. For players on the fringe — especially goalkeepers — every minute matters, every save counts.

The Road to the World Cup

With the 2026 World Cup inching closer, Aguirre’s final roster will soon begin to take shape. There’s still time for surprises, for late breakthroughs, and for redemption arcs — and Acevedo’s story could yet be one of them.

He may not have the international pedigree of Ochoa or the immediate momentum of Malagón, but he brings something equally valuable: hunger. After years of setbacks, that desire to “earn a place” could make all the difference.

“Football always gives you another chance,” Acevedo reflected. “You just have to be ready to take it.”

As Mexico prepare for their upcoming fixtures, fans will be watching closely — not just to see who wears the gloves, but who proves they deserve to keep them when the world comes to North America next summer.

And if determination counts for anything, Carlos Acevedo won’t be far from that conversation.