Mexico show USMNT how it’s done against European opponents ahead of World Cup 2026
Mexico’s recent results against European teams highlight contrast with USMNT struggles ahead of key World Cup 2026 preparations.
Mexico and the United States have already played their first matches of the March FIFA international window, and while both teams experienced mixed realities, neither side delivered its best performance on the field.
Mexico holds its own against European teams
In this latest window, El Tri once again showed it knows how to compete with European sides, continuing a trend that has developed in recent years. That stands in contrast to its northern neighbor, which suffered another defeat against a team from Europe.
It is true that no national team from the CONCACAF region has a winning record against UEFA opponents. However, Mexico has at least improved its results, while the United States has consistently struggled against European competition.
Over its last five matches against European opposition, Mexico has lost just once, winning twice and drawing twice.
| Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 0-0 | Mexico City |
| Iceland | 4-0 | Querétaro |
| Turkey | 1-0 | Chapel Hill |
| Switzerland | 2-4 | Salt Lake City |
| Germany | 2-2 | Philadelphia |
USMNT struggles against European opponents
The United States, meanwhile, has lost all of its recent matches against European teams. Interestingly, four of those opponents also faced Mexico, who only lost to one of them.
Across the same number of matches as Mexico, the United States scored four goals but conceded an alarming 15, a concerning trend with the World Cup approaching.
| Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 2-5 | Atlanta |
| Switzerland | 0-4 | Nashville |
| Turkey | 1-2 | East Rutherford |
| Slovenia | 0-1 | San Antonio |
| Germany | 1-3 | East Rutherford |
European opposition for Mexico and USMNT at World Cup 2026
At the World Cup taking place in June and July, both Mexico and the United States will have at least one European opponent in their groups, though the specific matchups are still unknown.
Those opponents will be determined on Tuesday, when Mexico is set to learn whether it will face Denmark or the Czech Republic, while the United States will find out if it will meet Kosovo or Turkey.
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