Mexico Crumbles Against Paraguay: Player Ratings Expose El Tri's World Cup Crisis

Another lackluster display from Mexico's national squad resulted in a 2-1 defeat against Paraguay in their closing match of 2025.

The three goals came within the opening 15 minutes of the second period. Antonio Sanabria's initial strike was canceled out by a Raúl Jiménez spot-kick, securing his 11th international goal this calendar year. However, Damián Bobadilla netted the decisive goal merely three minutes afterward.

Javier Aguirre's team dominated ball possession but remained utterly disjointed in their offensive play. Mexico enters a World Cup campaign without a victory since defeating the USMNT in July's 2025 Gold Cup championship match.

For the consecutive match in different venues, El Tri faced jeers from supporters as they exited the field, capping off a thoroughly disappointing year-end. Significant improvements are essential over the coming seven months as warning signals are blaring for Mexico.

Mexico Player Ratings vs. Paraguay (4-3-3)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob

GK: Luis Ángel Malagón—6.9: Might have performed better on both conceded goals, though made several outstanding stops. An open battle exists for Mexico's World Cup starting goalkeeper position.

RB: Israel Reyes—5.6: Below his usual standards. Adequate defensively and in distribution from deep positions as typical, but clearly struggles when venturing into attacking areas.

CB: Edson Álvarez—7.0: A solid outing from El Tri's skipper that will unfortunately strengthen arguments he belongs at center-back rather than his favored defensive midfield role.

CB: Jesús Orozco—6.0: Unable to clear the ball leading to Paraguay's second goal, marring an otherwise decent showing.

LB: Mateo Chávez—5.9: The young player showed reluctance in attack and lost possession several times, though made some crucial defensive plays. Typically it's reversed.

DM: Erik Lira—6.2: Lira keeps maximizing his chances. Without Álvarez typically occupying his position, the Cruz Azul midfielder would be a guaranteed starter.

CM: Marcel Ruiz—6.0: An understated evening for the Toluca player, though he participated in Mexico's finest possession spells.

CM: Gilberto Mora—6.3: Like Ruiz, Mora couldn't genuinely impact the game. Still contributed to Mexico's best attacking sequences, despite a subdued performance from the youngster.

RW: Jorge Ruvalcaba—5.8: A letdown from the Pumas forward, managing only four successful passes from six attempts.

ST: Raúl Jiménez—7.1: Found it difficult to get involved and when he did, it was away from dangerous positions. Converted a well-executed penalty.

LW: Orbelín Pineda—7.8: Mexico's standout performer tonight. Sharp, aggressive and frequently influential. Among his finest El Tri displays in considerable time.

Subs not used: Raúl Rangel(GK), Carlos Acevedo (GK), César Montes, Alexis Gutiérrez, Fidel Ambríz, Obed Vargas, Diego Lainez, Germán Berterame.

Paraguay (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Orlando Gill; Alan Benítez, Gustavo Velásquez, Alexis Duarte, Agustín Sández; Braian Ojeda, Matías Galarza; Ramón Sosa, Diego Gómez; Miguel Almirón, Antonio Sanabria.

Subs used: Julio Enciso, Damián Bobadilla, Diego González, Álex Arce, Junior Alonso, Lucas Romero.

Mexico Player of the Match: Orbelín Pineda

Player of the Match: Julio Enciso (Paraguay)

Mexico 1–2 Paraguay—How it Developed at the Alamodome

Aguirre implemented seven lineup changes from the XI that faced Uruguay during the weekend. Nevertheless, the match began following a familiar pattern where aggressive play and frequent infractions controlled early proceedings.

One such infraction created El Tri's initial threatening opportunity, a Mora free-kick that goalkeeper Orlando Gill managed effectively.

Dead-ball situations seemed Mexico's primary route to finding an opening goal. Mora delivered a corner that dropped perfectly for an unguarded Álvarez near the penalty spot. Mexico's leader had time to compose himself before firing a low effort that struck the upright before defenders cleared.

Despite Aguirre's team performing better in the opening period, enjoying some promising ball movement, the contest remained goalless at the interval.

Mexico suffered an immediate setback after resumption. Enciso delivered an excellent cross that Antonio Sanabria finished. Initially, the official ruled Sanabria had fouled Malagón before scoring, but reversed his call following VAR consultation.

Aguirre's squad responded nearly immediately. Pineda was fouled inside the box and Jiménez coolly converted the spot-kick to net his 44th international goal 53 minutes in.

However, El Tri's celebration was brief. Three minutes following Jiménez's leveler, confusion in Mexico's penalty area ended when Enciso delivered another superb cross that Bobadilla headed home to regain Paraguay's advantage.

Mexico pressed forward with more determination than actual skill, again appearing uninspired offensively.

The disappointing outcome heightened frustrations among El Tri supporters present. Play was halted in the final 10 minutes due to the notorious homophobic chant emerging whenever Gill took goal kicks.

Paraguay created the two clearest late chances, with Malagón making saves to prevent a heavy defeat for El Tri.

Jeers echoed after the final whistle. Aguirre faces substantial work to redirect El Tri's trajectory before the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico vs. Paraguay Halftime Stats

Mexico vs. Paraguay Full Time Stats