Mexico Clashes with Uruguay in High-Stakes Friendly Showdown: Complete Match Preview and Bold Predictions

Mexico returns to domestic territory to begin their November international fixtures facing Uruguay at Estadio Corona.

Javier Aguirre's squad will be hoping their disappointing October displays were just a temporary setback. Mexico suffered a crushing 4–0 defeat to Colombia and managed only a stalemate with Ecuador despite having opportunities to secure victory.

As El Tri continues preparing for the 2026 World Cup, Uruguay presents a challenging opponent. Marcelo Bielsa's team demolished Mexico 4–0 during their summer 2024 encounter, and El Tri hasn't managed to beat La Celeste since the 2016 Copa América.

Uruguay faced minimal difficulties throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign. Now, Bielsa aims to extend a five-match undefeated run against the nation he previously turned down managing before accepting Uruguay's coaching position.

Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of Mexico vs. Uruguay.

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Mexico Team News

Aguirre will be pleased to welcome back Edson Álvarez and Raúl Jiménez following the experienced duo's recovery from their respective injuries that sidelined them for Mexico's previous two matches.

With both players returning, Aguirre might deploy a lineup very similar to the one that defeated the U.S. men's national team in the 2025 Gold Cup final. Mexico's core structure for the World Cup seems established, with César Montes, Johan Vázquez, Álvarez and Jiménez all likely to start against Uruguay.

Mexican rising star Gilberto Mora might return to the starting eleven to serve as Mexico's creative force in the attacking third. However, with Alexis Vega and Santiago Gimenez unavailable, Diego Lainez and Hirving Lozano could occupy the wing positions as Aguirre switches to a 4-3-3 setup.

Mexico Predicted Lineup vs. Uruguay

Mexico predicted lineup vs. Uruguay (4-3-3): Malagón; Reyes, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Ruíz, Álvarez, Mora; Lainez, Jiménez, Lozano.

Uruguay Team News

La Celeste faces significant setbacks with the absence of Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez through injury.

Nevertheless, Bielsa can still field a strong team. Giorgian De Arrascaeta will lead the offensive efforts with Rodrigo Bentancur and Manuel Ugarte offering defensive support. De Arrascaeta has been outstanding during Flamengo's journey to the Copa Libertadores final.

While veteran Jose Maria Giménez has returned, Club América's Sebastián Cáceres might be selected to partner Ronald Araújo in central defense.

With Brian Rodríguez and Rodrigo Aguirre also competing for starting positions, Bielsa could field three Club América players against Mexico, bringing additional Liga MX connections to the match.

Uruguay Predicted Lineup vs. Mexico

Uruguay predicted lineup vs. Mexico (4-3-3): Mele; Nández, Araújo, Cáceres, Araújo; Bentancur, Ugarte, De Arrascaeta; Pellistri, Aguirre, Rodríguez.

Mexico vs. Uruguay Score Prediction

It's difficult to imagine Mexico performing as poorly against Uruguay as they did versus Colombia. However, Bielsa's squad remains among South America's elite teams, presenting El Tri with a significant test.

With Jiménez and Mora returning to the starting lineup, Mexico should demonstrate improved attacking capabilities. The concern lies in Uruguay's abundant midfield talent, making it unlikely that Mexico's possession struggles won't be exploited.

This will be an intensely competitive encounter with numerous fouls expected, but ultimately Uruguay possesses slightly superior talent to edge past Aguirre's team. Regardless, this represents an important examination for El Tri.

Score Prediction: Mexico 1–2 Uruguay