Mexico Takes On Belgium in High-Stakes International Friendly: Key Predictions, Lineups, and What to Expect

The Mexican national team takes on European giant Belgium this Tuesday evening at Soldier Field in what will be the last match before Javier Aguirre announces his preliminary 2026 World Cup squad.

Under the floodlights of a buzzing Estadio Azteca, El Tri put in a decent showing and held Portugal to a 0–0 stalemate on Saturday night. Despite the outcome, Mexico was still outclassed by a Portuguese side that barely shifted into second gear, highlighting the gulf between El Tri and the world's elite.

Belgium dismantled the U.S. men's national team 5–2 in their last outing, stretching their unbeaten streak to 10 matches. The so-called "golden generation" may have passed, but Belgium still brims with talent and possesses more than enough firepower to overcome the fellow Concacaf powerhouse on Tuesday.

It represents the last chance for several fringe players to catch Aguirre's eye in the fight for a squad berth. A strong showing and positive result would also do wonders for El Tri's morale with the World Cup now just over two months away.

Mexico vs. Belgium Score Prediction

El Tri's Attacking Woes Intensify Against Belgium

Settling for a goalless draw against a powerhouse like Portugal looks decent on paper, but Mexico's shortcomings — particularly in the final third — were laid bare on Saturday night. Facing an equally formidable side in Belgium makes it hard to imagine El Tri suddenly discovering the answers to their misfiring attack.

Belgium, meanwhile, have been in fine scoring form throughout their impressive recent run. Even if Rudi García opts to rotate heavily from the XI that faced the USMNT, it was largely the substitutes who shone in Saturday's victory in Atlanta, and they still carry superior individual quality throughout. A third consecutive win looks well within reach for Belgium.

Prediction: Mexico 0–2 Belgium

Mexico Predicted Lineup

Although Aguirre has stated he still views the March window as an audition for players, it seems unlikely he will make sweeping changes to the XI that started against Portugal — particularly at the back given the caliber of the opposition.

Raúl Rangel, Jesús Gallardo, Johán Vasquez, César Montes, Erik Lira, Roberto Alvarado and Álvaro Fidalgo are all expected to retain their spots, with the latter working to build chemistry with his El Tri midfield partners as all indications point to him becoming a World Cup regular.

Jorge Sánchez and Orbelín Pineda were unused against Portugal, but the two Greek league-based players could earn starts on Tuesday.

Julián Quiñones made a positive impact off the bench and could be handed a starting role on the left flank, while Liga MX standout Armando González may lead the attack in place of Raúl Jiménez, who will be keen to make up for the glaring miss that denied Mexico victory against Portugal.

Mexico predicted lineup vs. Belgium (4-3-3): Rangel; Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Fidalgo, Lira, Pineda; Alvarado, González, Quiñones.

Belgium Predicted Lineup

Significant rotation is anticipated in Belgium's starting XI, with key figures such as Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere expected to be rested and held back for the second half of the international window.

Yuri Tielemans has returned from injury and could line up alongside Aston Villa teammate Amadou Onana, operating as an attacking midfielder with experienced campaigner Axel Witsel completing the midfield pivot behind him. Center back pairing Koni de Winter and Arthur Theate may also be handed starts, with Timothy Castagne coming in for Thomas Meunier at right back.

Dodi Lukébakio scored twice on Saturday and is set to start on the right wing, with exciting young Ajax wide man Mika Godts deployed on the left. Loïs Openda, who has endured a difficult loan spell at Juventus, could lead the line in search of a much-needed confidence boost.

In goal, Matz Sels could come in for Senne Lammens as García continues to assess who should serve as backup to the injured Thibaut Courtois at the World Cup. Arsenal midfielder Leandro Trossard has pulled out of Belgium's squad.

Belgium predicted lineup vs. Mexico (4-2-3-1): Sels; Castagne, De Winter, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Witsel; Lukébakio, Tielemans, Godts; Openda.

What Time Does Mexico vs. Belgium Kick Off?

How to Watch Mexico vs. Belgium on TV, Live Stream