Santiago Giménez's World Cup Clock Ticking: Mexican Star Battles Ankle Injury Ahead of 2026

Time is running out for Santiago Giménez. The AC Milan striker recently underwent ankle surgery and is now in a desperate push to regain fitness before the 2026 World Cup. For Mexico, the potential absence of their 24-year-old scoring sensation could prove catastrophic as they gear up to co-host the tournament with Canada and the United States.

The €35 million acquisition from Feyenoord recently spoke with ESPN from Milan, discussing his rehabilitation process, the immense pressure of competing in a World Cup on home turf, and his surprising bond with U.S. team captain Christian Pulisic. The conversation painted a picture of an athlete wholly committed to being match-ready when his nation calls.

A Lingering Problem That Couldn't Be Ignored

Giménez acknowledges he should have acted sooner. The ankle issue first emerged before last summer's Gold Cup, but following the typical footballer's mentality, he pushed through the discomfort. "As footballers, when we feel minor pain, we just carry on," he stated. "Looking back, that was probably a mistake."

The discomfort intensified progressively until it became unbearable. With a pivotal season at Milan and a home World Cup approaching, Giménez faced a difficult choice. He opted for surgery last month and remains convinced it was the correct path forward.

"Right now, I'm genuinely pleased I went through with the operation and I'm just eager to return in better shape," he commented. For those analyzing Mexico's World Cup prospects, Giménez's physical condition will be paramount. He's expected to split attacking duties with Fulham's Raúl Jiménez as El Tri pursue their first quarterfinal berth since 1986.

Teammates at Milan, Rivals on the International Stage

It's an unusual situation: Mexico's leading striker has formed a tight friendship with the American captain. Giménez and Pulisic have developed a strong camaraderie at Milan, despite representing nations with one of football's fiercest rivalries.

"Inside the changing room, he's among my closest friends," Giménez disclosed. The duo spend time together, watch NFL matches (Giménez cheers for the Dolphins while Pulisic supports the Jets), and host barbecues at each other's residences. However, that friendship has its boundaries.

"If he's facing Mexico, naturally if I have to take him down, I'll do it!" Giménez said with a laugh. The locker room teasing is relentless, with teammates constantly debating whether Mexico or the USA has the superior team. These discussions inevitably lead to playful "confrontations," though the competitive fire burns genuine when matches arrive.

Giménez believes the United States possesses a talented roster capable of advancing to the quarterfinals. He'd welcome a matchup against them in the tournament because of the incredible passion it generates. Mexico defeated the USA in last year's Gold Cup final, keeping the rivalry's intensity alive.

Home Advantage Could Be the Difference

For Mexico, the stakes couldn't be higher. They've only advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals twice—both occasions when serving as hosts in 1970 and 1986. Now they have another opportunity on familiar ground, and the entire country expects them to finally overcome that round-of-16 obstacle (referred to as "el quinto partido" or "the fifth match").

"I believe with our supporters in Mexico, we can definitely achieve it," Giménez declared with conviction. Competing at Estadio Azteca with 90,000 fans wearing green jerseys provides Mexico with an enormous edge. Even his Milan colleagues have mentioned that facing Mexico on Mexican soil is something teams want to avoid.

Mexico might potentially meet England in the round of 16 at the Azteca, which would represent a significant challenge. Yet Giménez is confident the home crowd makes Mexico a formidable opponent for anyone. With experienced figures Javier Aguirre and Rafa Márquez guiding the squad, expectations have reached unprecedented levels.

For Giménez, achieving success in 2026 hinges on one critical factor: healing his ankle completely. "I simply need my ankle to be healthy," he stressed. If he reaches full fitness, he's confident everything else will align properly. And for Mexico's World Cup aspirations, that fitness is absolutely essential.