Jorge Sánchez
RWB (RB)
Balanced Full Back
Dec 10, 1997 (28)
Right
5'11"
152 lb
Unimpressive return to starting XI
Sanchez registered one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Atlante.
Analysis: Sanchez finished with a poor defensive output while racking up passes as his side dominated possession in the draw. The right-back made his first full-game appearance since recovering from the thigh issue he suffered in early August, and he took over as the right-sided member of a five-man defense. Given his offensive edge over Juan Jose Purata, and with Gustavo Ferrareis no longer on the squad, Sanchez could have a solid chance to remain active for the rest of the year.
On bench to face Gallos
Sanchez (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Queretaro.
Analysis: Sanchez has bounced back to the match squad just in time to cover the right-back void left by the recent departure of Gustavo Ferrareis. However, the Mexican international is apparently not ready for a lot of minutes and will likely appear off the bench before contending for a larger role. Depending on formation, he'll challenge center-back Juan Jose Purata and the versatile Gaddi Aguirre in upcoming weeks.
Still working apart from group
Sanchez (thigh) continues to train separately with differentiated work, though he has been seen jogging around the pitch, according to Raymundo Gonzalez of Jalisco TV.
Analysis: Sanchez hasn't played since he picked up the issue in an Aug. 1 match against Rayados, but Jogging around the field is an encouraging sign after a thigh injury. However, it also indicates Sanchez is still some distance from being available for selection given that he's not yet integrated into team training sessions. Gustavo Ferrareis remains the first right-back option in the meantime. A realistic return date is difficult to project until the club reports that he has rejoined full group work.
Thigh injury confirmed
Sanchez suffered a left thigh muscle injury during the Apertura week three match against Monterrey and wasn't considered for Atlas' Leagues Cup opener, per the club's official medical report.
Analysis: Sanchez had just taken a step forward as Atlas' starting right-back following his signing from PAOK, and being one of the more complete full-backs in the league, his issue could be impactful news for the squad. Gustavo Ferrareis, next in the depth chart at that position, is the most likely option to step in and will have a chance to regain a regular spot while Sanchez recovers from the injury. The timeline is unclear from the club's statement, but thigh muscle injuries suffered in a competitive match typically require at minimum 2-4 weeks depending on severity, which could cost Sanchez the entirety of the Leagues Cup tournament.
Injured in first Atlas start
Sanchez had to abandon Saturday's match against Monterrey with an undisclosed issue.
Analysis: Sanchez had an unfortunate performance as he received a yellow card and was forced off before halftime after taking over the starting spot from Gustavo Ferrareis. The offseason signing is expected to strengthen the Foxes' lineup in both attacking and defensive aspects, so his injury status ahead of upcoming Leagues Cup games could make an impact on the squad's power. While Ferrareis is still a reliable alternative, the change forces the team to drop a non-Mexican player from the lineup in Liga MX play, with Luis Esteves making way for Sergio Hernandez after Sanchez's injury in the last match.
Joins Atlas as new right-back
Sanchez has transferred to Atlas from Greek side PAOK for the Apertura 2026 campaign, the club announced Thursday.
Analysis: Sanchez brings extensive international experience to his new club, having played for Santos Laguna, America, Ajax, Porto, Cruz Azul and PAOK. During his year and a half at Cruz Azul, he posted 65 appearances with three goals and five assists across all competitions, winning the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, before making just 10 Super League starts with PAOK this year. He projects as a solid right-back option for Atlas given his pedigree, which includes two World Cup appearances and an olympic bronze medal in 2021. Sanchez will compete directly with Gustavo Ferrareis for the role, and his experience and recent international form could give him an early edge heading into the Apertura tournament.
Ends World Cup with weak outing
Sanchez registered one cross (zero accurate) and four tackles in Sunday's 3-2 loss versus England. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 71st minute.
Analysis: Sanchez was outperformed in a difficult test while facing Anthony Gordon on the opponents' left flank, committing two fouls and lacking defensive output other than his two tackles won during a 79-minute performance. The right-back made four consecutive starts after staying on the bench in the World Cup opener, and he did a good job overall, tallying various tackles and crosses when given the opportunity. In terms of direct contributions, he notched one assist over that period.
Defensive effort in victory
Sanchez generated three tackles (one won), four clearances and one interception in Tuesday's 2-0 win versus Ecuador.
Analysis: Sanchez was unable to get a goal contribution this time after assisting in his previous outing, but he produced a variety of stats in his third start on the right side of a four-man defense. Although there has been a competition between him and Israel Reyes for the starting role, the PAOK man ultimately got the nod for the decisive stages and could continue to be favored in future contests. In that case, Sanchez may focus on tackling and defensive duels while pushing forward a few times per game.
Assist from defense
Sanchez assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 3-0 victory against Czech Republic.
Analysis: Sanchez would be a bit fortunate in earning his assist Wednesday, as after finding himself on the receiving end of a great Gilberto Mora pass, he would ricochet the ball off him and the Czechia keeper to find Julian Quinones for the second goal of the match. However, this can be majorly blamed on his advanced play as he continues to find space in the attack, recording three chances created and five crosses. He has now started twice in a row at right-back after going unused in the opener, trending towards a starting spot in the knockouts.
Low workload in tournament debut
Sanchez registered one interception in Thursday's 1-0 win over South Korea.
Analysis: Sanchez enjoyed a comfortable matchup as he wasn't forced to defend heavily Thursday, but he didn't produce significant offensive contributions either. The right-back completed the full 90 minutes in his first start of the 2026 World Cup after staying on the bench during the previous clash with South Africa. He remains in contention for playing time with Israel Reyes, who might be favored in the more difficult rounds due to his more defensive nature in contrast to Sanchez's attacking upside.
In contention for World Cup action
Sanchez should be involved as part of Mexico's right-back assets, offering both attacking and defensive upside in the upcoming World Cup.
Analysis: Sanchez returned to Europe in February following a move from Cruz Azul to Greek side PAOK and has gradually earned the trust of Mexico manager Javier Aguirre. He looks set to serve as the slightly more offensive-minded choice in a right-back rotation with Israel Reyes, a role reinforced by his recent performances during the national team's friendlies, in which he scored once across 114 minutes of play. While his fantasy upside may ultimately depend on fixtures and playing time, Sanchez should have opportunities to contribute defensively after winning 13 of his 14 tackles over his last three international appearances.
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