Who is involved
The upcoming international friendly match between Mexico and Belgium is generating significant interest as both teams prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Scheduled for March 31, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, the match will kick off at 9 p.m. ET. This encounter comes at a pivotal time for both nations, as they seek to fine-tune their squads ahead of the prestigious tournament.
Before this match, expectations were notably different for both teams. Mexico recently drew 0-0 against Portugal, a result that highlighted their struggles in front of goal. Since the 2025 Gold Cup, Mexico has scored only four goals in seven matches during FIFA windows, with four of those games ending in a blank. In contrast, Belgium has been on a scoring spree, recently defeating the U.S. 5-2 and netting 37 goals in their last ten games, including an impressive 17 goals in their last four matches.
The decisive moment leading up to this match is the contrasting form of the two teams. Mexico’s last victory against a top-10 ranked team was against Germany in the 2018 World Cup, a statistic that looms large as they face a formidable Belgian side. Belgium, on the other hand, is riding a ten-game unbeaten streak and has only failed to score once during that period, showcasing their offensive prowess.
The direct effects of these performances are palpable. For Mexico, a good showing against Belgium could significantly boost their confidence, especially with the World Cup just over two months away. Javier Aguirre, the head coach, is under pressure to find solutions to the team’s scoring woes. “A good performance and result would also go a long way toward improving El Tri’s confidence with the World Cup just a little over two months away,” noted an analyst.
Belgium’s coach, meanwhile, is likely to emphasize maintaining their attacking rhythm. With key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Yuri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana in the lineup, the Red Devils are expected to pose a significant challenge for Mexico’s defense. As one expert pointed out, “Belgium is a completely different story. García’s side has 17 goals in its last four games and has only failed to find the back of the net once during its 10-game unbeaten run—scoring 37 goals in that stretch.” This stark contrast in form sets the stage for an intriguing encounter.
Both teams have announced their predicted lineups, with Mexico likely featuring Rangel, Sánchez, Montes, and others, while Belgium’s lineup includes Sels, Castagne, and Lukébakio. However, Belgium will be without Leandro Trossard, who has withdrawn from the camp, adding a layer of uncertainty to their preparations.
As the match approaches, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how these two teams will perform. The outcome could have lasting implications for both squads as they finalize their strategies for the World Cup. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups or strategies, but the anticipation continues to build.
In summary, the Mexico vs Belgium match is not just another friendly; it is a critical test for both teams as they prepare for the global stage. With contrasting recent performances, the stakes are high, and the outcome could shape their trajectories leading into the World Cup.