Why isn’t Héctor Herrera playing for Mexico?

Mexico take on Honduras on Friday evening as they look to book their place in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League and secure qualification for the 2024 Copa América.

Jaime Lozano has named a strong squad for the November international fixtures, but there is one key name missing. Mexico stalwart Héctor Herrera is not in the roster for this month’s fixtures.

Hector Herrera has recorded 18 assists from midfield for Houston Dynamo.
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Hector Herrera has recorded 18 assists from midfield for Houston Dynamo.Rob GrayUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The 33-year-old has amassed more than 100 international appearances and has been one of the players of the season in MLS this year. However with Herrera’s Houston Dynamo in the middle of the MLS Cup Playoffs, Lozano opted against selecting him for El Tri.

There are no MLS players in Lozano’s 26-man squad.

What do Mexico need to qualify for the Copa América?

Mexico continue their Nations League journey on Friday night. El Tri are in a two-legged quarter-final clash against Honduras, with the aggregate winner making it through to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF comPetition.

But this year there is more at stake. The 2024 Copa América, held in the United States, has been expanded to 16 teams to allow North and Central American nations to qualify. In addition to the ten South American nations, a further six teams from CONCACAF will be admitted.

Those six will be comprised of the four semi-finalists in the Nations League and two of the losing quarter-finalists. Mexico can book their place in the 2024 comPetition with a victory over Honduras, but could still secure qualification even if they lose.

Herrera targets playoff glory with Houston

There is plenty on the line for Mexico when they take to the field at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés, Honduras on Friday evening. However this strong, in-form Mexican side should be able to progress past the Hondurans across two legs.

Back in Houston, Herrera and the Dynamos have a two-week break to prepare for the visit of Sporting Kansas City in their upcoming playoff semi-final. Houston squeezed past Real Salt Lake in Round One, courtesy of a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory in Game Three.

Their superior regular season position gives Houston home advantage for the semi-final clash but they come up against an impressive Sporting KC. Peter Vermes’ side had to make it through the Wild Card route to make it to the post-season, but they swept past Western Conference winners St. Louis City in Round One.

Speaking after Houston’s Round One triumph over RSL, Herrera said: “All the work that we have done through the season is starting to yield results. We have made a very important step in reaching the semi-final, and we’re happy.”

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