As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Mexico faces key tests against Portugal and Belgium to finalize their squad.
Category: Sports
The Mexican national soccer team is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a series of international friendlies, beginning with a match against Portugal on March 28, 2026, at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This fixture marks a key opportunity for El Tri to assess their squad ahead of the tournament, as they aim to finalize their roster and tactical approach.
Kickoff for the match against Portugal is set for 7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT, and it is expected to be a challenging encounter, especially as Portugal comes in ranked fifth in the latest FIFA world rankings. Notably, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will not participate due to a hamstring injury, which has raised questions about his fitness ahead of the World Cup.
Mexico, currently ranked 16th globally, is looking to build momentum as they prepare for their group stage matches in June. The friendly against Portugal is part of a broader strategy to test combinations and identify key players who will contribute to their World Cup campaign.
Following the match against Portugal, Mexico will face Belgium on March 31, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago, also kicking off at 7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT. Belgium, ranked ninth in the world, presents a different challenge for Mexico, as they are known for their tactical discipline and attacking prowess.
These friendlies are particularly important for Mexico, as they come at a time when the team is dealing with notable absences. Head coach Javier Aguirre has confirmed that 12 regular call-ups are unavailable for the upcoming matches, including key players like captain Edson Álvarez and several European-based athletes. Injuries to Santiago Gimenez, Luis Chávez, César Huerta, and Rodrigo Huescas have also left the squad looking to younger players and veterans like Guillermo Ochoa, who aims for his sixth World Cup appearance.
“Half of the team that won two titles… are not with you,” Aguirre remarked, emphasizing the need to evaluate depth and adaptability within the team. This situation has prompted the coaching staff to adopt a pragmatic approach, testing various formations and player combinations in preparation for the World Cup.
Belgium's match against Mexico is seen as a key test for the U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT) as well, as they prepare for their own friendly against Belgium in Atlanta, where fans are expressing a mix of optimism and realism. The USMNT, under the guidance of coach Mauricio Pochettino, is still shaping its identity and looks to make a statement against high-caliber European competition.
In Atlanta, supporters have been vocal about their expectations, with some predicting a narrow 3-2 victory for the U.S. over Belgium. The excitement surrounding these matches is heightened by the fact that the 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, making every performance during this international window particularly consequential.
As both Mexico and the U.S. prepare for their respective matches, the implications of these friendlies are clear. For Mexico, the focus is on solidifying a World Cup-ready identity, especially in light of the injuries and absences that have reshaped their lineup. For Belgium, the emphasis will be on maintaining momentum and refining their tactical approach ahead of the World Cup.
In the upcoming matches, Mexico will likely adopt a more compact defensive shape and rely on individual creativity to navigate the challenges posed by their opponents. Meanwhile, Belgium is expected to maintain their structured gameplay, emphasizing controlled possession and efficient finishing.
The friendly against Belgium serves three distinct purposes for Mexico: it is an opportunity for squad selection, a chance to test tactical strategies, and a way to mentally prepare for the level of competition they will face in the World Cup. With the stakes high, every minute on the pitch will carry evaluation value for both teams.
As the clock ticks down to the World Cup, the anticipation builds. Mexico's matches against Portugal and Belgium are not just about the scores but about the lessons learned and the identities forged. The outcome may be less important than how the team adapts and evolves in the face of adversity, setting the stage for their World Cup campaign.
With the friendly against Portugal just around the corner, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Mexico will respond to the challenges ahead. The upcoming fixtures promise to be a litmus test for the squad, providing insights into how they will compete on the world stage.
As Mexico takes the field at Estadio Azteca, the players stepping into the roles of those who are absent. The team’s ability to rise to the occasion will be a defining factor in their World Cup aspirations. The match against Portugal is just the beginning, with the encounter against Belgium set to follow closely, ensuring that every moment counts as they prepare for the ultimate test in June.