Who is involved

As the clock ticks down to the 2026 World Cup, Mexico and Belgium are gearing up for an international friendly match that promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams. 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 time when both teams are looking to solidify their strategies and boost their morale ahead of the tournament.

Before this match, expectations were starkly different for both sides. Mexico, under coach Javier Aguirre, has struggled offensively, managing only four goals in their last seven games during FIFA windows since the 2025 Gold Cup. Their most recent outing ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Portugal, leaving fans concerned about their attacking prowess. In contrast, Belgium has been on a scoring spree, netting an impressive 37 goals in their last 10 matches, including a commanding 5-2 victory over the U.S. in their last game.

The decisive moment leading up to this match is the contrasting form of both teams. While Mexico has faced criticism for its lack of goals, Belgium has been riding high on a wave of confidence, scoring 17 goals in their last four matches. This stark difference in performance sets the stage for a compelling showdown, as Mexico seeks to regain its offensive rhythm against a formidable Belgian side.

The implications of this match are significant for both teams. A strong performance from Mexico could help restore confidence within the squad, especially with the World Cup just over two months away. As one expert noted, “A good performance and result would also go a long way toward improving El Tri’s confidence.” Conversely, Belgium aims to maintain its unbeaten streak and continue its scoring momentum, having only failed to find the back of the net once in their last 10 games.

In terms of player lineups, Mexico is expected to field a team including Rangel, Sánchez, Montes, and Raúl Jiménez, while Belgium will likely feature stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Yuri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana. The absence of Leandro Trossard from Belgium’s camp adds another layer of intrigue to the match, as both teams finalize their strategies.

Historically, Mexico has struggled against top-ranked teams, with their last victory over a top-10 opponent occurring during the 2018 World Cup against Germany. This match against Belgium presents an opportunity for Mexico to break that trend and prove their mettle on the international stage.

As the match approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these two teams will perform. With contrasting recent performances, the stakes are high, and the outcome could have lasting implications for both squads as they prepare for the World Cup. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups or strategies, but anticipation continues to build.