2026 World Cup: Mexico reportedly secure three friendlies ahead of FIFA tournament

Mexico’s national team is finalizing its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With just four months until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, national teams are entering the final stages of their preparation. Mexico are no exception, with the added responsibility of serving as one of the tournament’s three host nations.

“The Mexican Football Federation has already finalized El Tri’s final three opponents,” Marca reported this week, citing a report from TUDN. “Mexico will face Australia, Ghana, and Serbia.”

The dates for those matches have not yet been announced, but they are expected to take place in the days leading up to the start of the tournament. Before that, Javier Aguirre’s team will play at least two additional friendlies. The first is scheduled for February 25 against Iceland at Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro.

Then, during the March FIFA international break, Mexico will face Portugal at Estadio Azteca. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be the main attraction, although it has not yet been confirmed whether the 41-year-old forward will take part in the match.

Following those games, Mexico will play the previously mentioned friendlies against Australia, Ghana, and Serbia. According to TUDN’s report, two of those three matches will be held in Mexico, though the venues have not yet been announced, while the remaining game will take place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Mexico’s opponents in the World Cup

Mexico will have the honor of kicking off the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament’s opening match is set for June 11 at Estadio Azteca, where El Tri will face South Africa in the Group A opener.

Javier Aguirre and his squad will return to action a week later. On June 18, this time at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico will face South Korea in their second group-stage match.

Group A play will conclude on June 24. On that day, South Africa and South Korea will face each other while, simultaneously, Mexico will play their third opponent. That team has yet to be determined and will emerge from a European playoff to be decided in March: Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or Ireland.