USMNT and Mexico Lock in Elite Rivals for Crucial 2026 World Cup Tune-Up Battles

The United States men's national soccer team and Mexico's national squad will advance their 2026 World Cup readiness in March through elite encounters against two of the globe's premier teams: Portugal and Belgium.

An impressive five-match undefeated run and three consecutive victories to close out the year has Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT hitting their stride at an ideal moment. A commanding 5–1 triumph over Uruguay in their most recent outing solidified the positive trajectory the Stars and Stripes will carry into the new year.

In stark contrast, Mexico struggled to finish 2025 with a six-match stretch without victory. Javier Aguirre's squad must correct course in the coming months before the World Cup or face potential catastrophe next summer.

Both co-host countries already understand their World Cup group stage pathway and will soon discover their opponents when the 2026 World Cup group stage draw takes place on Friday.

Whatever the draw outcome, Portugal and Belgium—two top-10 ranked squads featuring elite talent throughout their lineups—will provide crucial assessments to gauge where the USMNT and El Tri currently stand with less than two months until the World Cup.

Here's everything you need to understand about the USMNT and Mexico's March 2026 international exhibition matches.

USMNT March 2026 Complete Schedule

The USMNT will encounter Belgium in their opening fixture of the World Cup year on March 28. Subsequently, Portugal will visit on March 31 in a contest that could potentially feature Cristiano Ronaldo's first appearance on American territory since 2014. Both encounters will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Pochettino is expected to choose a comparable group of players to the 26-man squad he'll name for the World Cup. The Argentine tactician couldn't contain his enthusiasm when discussing the upcoming March exhibition fixtures.

"For us, this represents an enormous chance to test ourselves against some of the world's elite teams," Pochettino stated. "These are extraordinary matches for both the players and supporters."

The USMNT previously met Belgium in the round of 16 during the 2014 World Cup, when even a spectacular display from legendary keeper Tim Howard couldn't prevent the U.S. from a devastating extra-time exit.

Likewise, the USMNT also encountered Portugal during Brazil 2014. A well-fought 2–2 stalemate helped the Stars and Stripes progress through the group stage, while Portugal was eliminated before the knockout phase.

Much has evolved over the past decade-plus. Nevertheless, there's no question that Pochettino's team will seek to extend its positive streak to further enhance confidence before the summer tournament begins.

Mexico March 2026 Complete Schedule

In a historic moment for Mexican soccer, the legendary Estadio Azteca will reopen for El Tri to welcome Portugal on March 28. El Tri will return to their spiritual headquarters for the first time in over three years following an extensive renovation of one of football's most sacred venues.

Portugal represents a fitting adversary for such a momentous occasion and it could mark Ronaldo's debut appearance on Mexican territory. Though he did participate against El Tri during the 2017 Confederations Cup, when Portugal tied with Mexico in group play before ultimately defeating El Tri in the third-place playoff.

El Tri will subsequently journey to the U.S. to meet Belgium at Chicago's Soldier Field on March 31. Mexico previously faced Belgium in an exhibition prior to the 2018 World Cup, ending in a 3–3 stalemate in their last encounter.

Confronting elite opposition is precisely what Aguirre requested in preparation for the World Cup, and Mexico national team director Duilio Davino expressed his views on the forthcoming international exhibitions.

"For us it's a privilege to face Portugal," Davino remarked. "A very formidable team with numerous talented players. At the re-inauguration of our stadium, it will be an honor.

"These are the caliber of matches Javier [Aguirre] requested to genuinely evaluate our national team. Belgium is an excellent squad. We understand the finest soccer is played in Europe and where the top players compete. These games will serve as an excellent benchmark [for Mexico] and they'll be outstanding opponents.

"We anticipate they'll be exceptional contests and help us continue developing our team for the World Cup."