Mexico Locks in Final Three Tune-Up Matches as 2026 World Cup Countdown Begins
El Tri has formally revealed its final trio of preparation matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup, confirming Ghana, Australia, and Serbia as their upcoming adversaries.
Mexican Football Federation president Duilio Davino disclosed that the selected nations for El Tri's concluding "tests" align with head coach Javier Aguirre's specifications. Aguirre particularly sought opponents from identical confederations to those Mexico will encounter during the World Cup group phase.
Given that South Africa, South Korea, and an undetermined UEFA representative are confirmed as Mexico's group stage adversaries, it was crucial for El Tri to conclude its World Cup preparations against nations sharing comparable continental characteristics.
Following the confirmation of these three international exhibitions, El Tri's schedule leading to the 2026 World Cup is now finalized.
Mexico Fixtures Before 2026 World Cup
Mexico Fixtures Before 2026 World Cup
Mexico has six contests remaining prior to the World Cup commencement, with an exhibition against Iceland on Feb. 25 rapidly approaching.
El Tri will reassemble during the March international window for two matches against top-tier opposition. Mexico will encounter Portugal on March 28 for the Estadio Azteca's grand reopening and will subsequently travel to the United States to meet Belgium on March 31.
Following these come the final three preparation matches revealed on Wednesday. Mexico will confront Ghana on May 22 at an undisclosed venue near Mexico City. Aguirre's squad will then battle Australia in California on May 30, before returning to Mexican territory for a final exhibition clash against Serbia on June 4.
Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
Feb. 25, 2026 | Mexico vs. Iceland | Estadio Corregidora, Mexico |
March 28, 2026 | Mexico vs. Portugal | Estadio Azteca, Mexico |
March 31, 2026 | Mexico vs. Belgium | Soldier Field, U.S. |
May 22, 2026 | Mexico vs. Ghana | TBD, Mexico |
May 30, 2026 | Mexico vs. Australia | Rose Bowl, U.S. |
June 4, 2026 | Mexico vs. Serbia | TBD, Mexico |
Mexico NT Announce Start Date of 2026 World Cup Camp
Mexico NT Announce Start Date of 2026 World Cup Camp
Beyond revealing Mexico's opponents for its concluding three matches before the World Cup, Davino also verified that El Tri's squad will commence joint training under Aguirre's guidance on May 6.
Initially, Mexico's World Cup preparation camp will exclusively feature Liga MX athletes that Aguirre includes in his provisional tournament roster. These players will compete for their respective teams until the Clausura 2026 regular season finale and will then take a required one-week break before joining El Tri.
No Mexican athlete participating in Liga MX who receives Aguirre's call-up will be permitted to appear for their clubs during the Liga MX Clausura 2026 playoffs. Additionally, if a Mexican club advances to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal, they'll be compelled to proceed without their selected World Cup players from the second leg onward through a potential final.
Players from Aguirre's roster competing internationally will join El Tri's camp following their club season's conclusion and after their mandatory week of rest. FIFA's cutoff for teams to submit their final World Cup roster is June 1.
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
-06ad2d29b37d2cca1a44008a56289260.png "Roberto Casillas")
Roberto Casillas is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering Liga MX, the Mexican National Team & Latin American players in Europe. He is a die hard Cruz Azul and Chelsea fan.