Mexico Clashes with Paraguay in Must-Watch International Friendly: Complete Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
El Tri returns to the pitch for their last outing of 2025 as they face Paraguay in a friendly encounter on Tuesday evening.
Javier Aguirre's squad outplayed Uruguay but had to settle for a goalless stalemate last Saturday. An ineffective offensive performance left Mexico unable to break a winless run that has now extended to five matches.
Mexico must begin securing victories to build momentum with the 2026 World Cup approaching in just over 200 days. A triumph would also please El Tri supporters, who expressed their frustration clearly during the Uruguay stalemate.
Paraguay, meanwhile, finds themselves in a similar rough patch. Gustavo Alfaro's team fell to the U.S. men's national squad on Saturday, extending their own winless stretch to three matches.
Both nations desperately require a victory in their year-ending fixture, creating an compelling matchup between two World Cup-bound teams.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of Mexico vs. Paraguay.
What Time Does Mexico vs. Paraguay Kick-Off?
Mexico vs. Paraguay Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Mexico | Paraguay |
|---|---|
Mexico 0–0 Uruguay - 11/15/25 | USMNT 2–1 Paraguay - 11/15/25 |
Mexico 1–1 Ecuador - 10/14/25 | South Korea 2–0 Paraguay - 10/14/25 |
Mexico 0–4 Colombia - 10/11/25 | Japan 2–2 Paraguay - 10/10/25 |
Mexico 2–2 South Korea - 9/9/25 | Peru 0–1 Paraguay - 9/9/25 |
Mexico 0–0 Japan - 9/6/25 | Paraguay 0–0 Ecuador - 9/4/25 |
How to Watch Mexico vs. Paraguay on TV and Live Stream
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | TUDN USA, Univision, FOX Deportes, ViX, FOX Sports App |
Mexico | TUDN, Canal 5, Azteca 7, ViX, Azteca Deportes |
Mexico Team News
Following the deployment of what appeared to be Mexico's strongest starting eleven against Uruguay, Aguirre will rotate his squad and provide opportunities for peripheral players to showcase their abilities.
Luis Ángel Malagón is expected to reclaim his spot in goal after Raúl Rángel featured at the weekend, indicating that the battle for Mexico's number one position remains wide open.
Hirving Lozano was substituted due to injury against Uruguay. While there's no official update on the injury's extent, Gilberto Mora, who was among El Tri's standout performers, will likely start on Tuesday evening.
Marcel Ruíz, Edson Álvarez and Erick Sánchez formed Aguirre's midfield against Uruguay. It wouldn't be shocking if they all step aside for Erik Lira, Obed Vargas and Orbelín Pineda.
In attack, Raúl Jiménez and Germán Berterame were neutralized last Saturday, creating an opportunity for 22-year-old Armando González, the Liga MX Apertura 2025 leading scorer, to earn his El Tri debut.
Mexico Predicted Lineup vs. Paraguay
Mexico predicted lineup vs. Paraguay (4-3-3): Malagón; Reyes, Montes, Oroxco, Chávez; Vargas, Lira, Pineda; Lainez, González, Mora.
Paraguay Team News
Similar to Aguirre, Gustavo Alfaro is expected to modify the starting eleven that suffered defeat against the USMNT over the weekend.
Álex Arce netted La Albirroja's only goal against the U.S. but might be replaced by Ronaldo Martínez, who has enjoyed an impressive campaign with Atlético Platense in Argentina's premier division.
Three key players should maintain their positions in the starting lineup, with Diego Gómez, Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso all expected to feature from the start.
Omar Aldrete received a red card following a major altercation near the conclusion of Saturday's match, which could see Blas Riveros and Gustavo Gómez continue as the central defensive partnership. Manchester United academy product Diego Leon might also earn his second international appearance at left back.
Paraguay Predicted Lineup vs. Mexico
Paraguay predicted lineup vs. Mexico (4-3-3): Fernández; Cáceres, Gómez, Riveros, León; Ojeda, Gómez, Almirón; Enciso, Martínez, Sosa.
Mexico vs. Paraguay Score Prediction
Considering the extensive squad rotation and the inclusion of players competing for World Cup roster spots, Mexico will be determined to halt their disappointing sequence of results.
With Lira featuring instead of Álvarez, Mexico will elevate their possession game and dominate the ball. Mora and Lainez have been in excellent form and will consistently supply González, who'll be motivated to establish himself with the national squad.
Mexico will neutralize Paraguay's offensive threats and deliver a superior attacking display. González will find the net on his debut and El Tri will enter 2026 with a morale-boosting result.
Score Prediction: Mexico 2–0 Paraguay