It has been quite the year for Obed Vargas. Last June, the Alaska native started a match against Atletico Madrid, the club he has long supported. In February, he then completed a dream transfer to the same club and quickly worked his way into a regular role for the legendary Diego Simeone.
That only set the stage for his biggest step yet when he was named to Mexico's 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup roster a few weeks ago. The biggest step yet came on Thursday. With Mexico clinging to a 1–0 lead late in their match against South Korea, manager Javier Aguirre turned to Vargas to help preserve that lead.
Jeremiah Oshan
In the 71st minute, Vargas entered the match at Estadio Guadalajara, replacing Luis Romo. Vargas came inches away from making it a truly dream debut when he pounced on a loose ball about 25 yards away and cleanly struck a volley that forced an impressive save from Seung-Gyu Kim. Vargas had one more chance to make a big impression when he got loose on the break at the very end of the match, only to be caught from behind before he could get off a shot.
With Mexico having already clinched the top spot in their group, Vargas could very well be in line for his first World Cup start on June 25 against Czechia.
