Ochoa and Fidalgo stand out in Mexico’s lineup for matches against Portugal and Belgium.

MEXICO CITY — The announcement of Mexico’s 26-man roster by coach Javier Aguirre on Thursday features the return of experienced goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and the first inclusion of midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo, as the team prepares to face Portugal and Belgium in friendly matches ahead of the World Cup.

The Mexican squad will host Portugal on March 28 during the reopening of Azteca Stadium, followed by a match against Belgium three days later at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The 40-year-old Ochoa had not received a call-up since the previous year’s Gold Cup, where he served as a substitute throughout the event behind Luis Ángel Malagón, who sustained an Achilles tendon injury last week and will be sidelined for the World Cup.

Ochoa, aiming for his sixth World Cup appearance, has not started a match since November 2014, when El Tri suffered a 2-0 defeat to Honduras.

Fidalgo, originally from Spain, obtained his Mexican citizenship earlier this year.

The 28-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in Club América’s three consecutive championship victories and has been a consistent starter for Real Betis since joining the club at the beginning of last month.

Aguirre has also included 20-year-old midfielder Obed Vargas, who signed with Atlético Madrid last month.

Fidalgo and Vargas will assist Aguirre in addressing the absences caused by injuries to Marcel Ruiz, who suffered an ACL tear, and Edson Álvarez, who underwent ankle surgery earlier this year.