Mexico are preparing to face Belgium in an international friendly at Soldier Field. The match comes before Javier Aguirre announces his preliminary 2026 World Cup roster.
El Tri’s Preparations and Potential Lineup Changes
Under the lights of Estadio Azteca, El Tri drew 0–0 against Portugal on Saturday evening. Despite the scoreline, Mexico was still dominated by Portugal, exposing the gap that exists between the top teams in the world.
It’s the final opportunity for a number of fringe players to impress Aguirre in the battle for a roster spot.
Although Aguirre said he still considers the March window an opportunity for players to audition, it’s unlikely that he makes wholesale changes to the XI that took the pitch against Portugal, especially in defence considering the quality of opponent in front.
Raúl Rangel, Jesús Gallardo, Johán Vasquez, César Montes, Erik Lira, Roberto Alvarado and Álvaro Fidalgo could all keep their place in the lineup, with the latter trying to create some chemistry with other El Tri midfielders and all signs pointing towards him becoming a World Cup starter.
Jorge Sánchez and Orbelín Pineda didn’t feature against Portugal, but the pair of Greek league talents could get the nod on Tuesday.
Julián Quiñones had a nice cameo and could start on the left wing, with Liga MX sensation Armando González leading the line replacing Raúl Jiménez, eager to make amends for the clear miss that cost Mexico the win against Portugal.
Mexico predicted lineup vs. Belgium (4-3-3): Rangel; Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Fidalgo, Lira, Pineda; Alvarado, González, Quiñones.
Belgium’s Form and Potential Changes
Belgium slaughtered the U.S. men’s national team 5–2 last time out, extending its unbeaten run to 10 games. The “golden generation” might be a thing of the past, but Belgium still oozes talent and has more than enough tools to dispatch the other Concacaf powerhouse on Tuesday.
Belgium have been prolific in front of goal during its recent stellar run.
Plenty of changes are expected in Belgium’s XI, resting stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere and saving them for the second half.
Yuri Tielemans has returned to full fitness and could join Aston Villa teamma
Confidence and Expectations
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.
Settling for a scoreless draw against a powerhouse like Portugal is a positive result on paper, but Mexico’s limitations, especially in attack, were on full display Saturday night. Facing a superior team like Belgium makes it difficult to envision El Tri suddenly finding solutions to fix a misfiring attack.
Even if Rudi García decided to make wholesale changes to the XI that started against the USMNT, it was mainly the substitutes that starred in Saturday’s win in Atlanta, and it still boasted superior individual quality. A third straight win should be in the cards for Belgium.
The Mexico national team faces European powerhouse Belgium on Tuesday night at Soldier Field.