Roberto Alvarado
Mexican international winger at CD Guadalajara, nicknamed El Piojo; three-time CONCACAF Gold Cup winner.
Last refreshed: 27 June 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How does Alvarado fit into Mexico's attacking plan as co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup?
Timeline for Roberto Alvarado
Received Zwane's raised-arm contact ruled as serious foul play by the Disciplinary Committee
2026 FIFA World Cup: Zwane ban upheld, FIFA stays silentProvided the cross for Jiménez's headed goal
2026 FIFA World Cup: Mexico win first opener at ninth tryWho is Roberto Alvarado and which club does he play for?
What happened when Themba Zwane fouled Roberto Alvarado at the 2026 World Cup?
How did Mexico win their 2026 World Cup opener against South Africa?
Background
Roberto Alvarado was the Mexico player fouled when South Africa captain Themba Zwane was shown the red card that earned a three-match World Cup ban, upheld by FIFA on 26 June. The incident came in South Africa's 0-2 opening defeat to Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June 2026, where Alvarado also delivered the cross from which Raúl Jiménez headed the second goal.
Born on 7 September 1998 and known as El Piojo (The Louse), Alvarado debuted in Mexican football at 15, progressing through Pachuca and Necaxa before joining Cruz Azul, where he won the 2021 Liga MX title that ended a 24-year wait. He joined CD Guadalajara in December 2021 and has been a regular contributor, reaching more than 30 goals across competitions.
A winger and attacking midfielder valued for his pace and direct dribbling, Alvarado has won three consecutive CONCACAF Gold Cups with Mexico in 2019, 2023 and 2025. An established member of the national side, he is part of the co-host squad carrying Mexican expectations through a home World Cup at the Estadio Azteca.