Mexico vs Belgium: A game that could change the World Cup narrative
In Mexico’s last major test before the 2026 World Cup, Javier Aguirre’s men are tasked with re-establishing their connection with the fans.
After a performance that drew boos in their return to home soil, the Mexican national team now turns the page and looks ahead to its next challenge - one that brings them back to the land of the Stars and Stripes. A powerful Belgian side awaits El Tri in Chicago, fresh off a dominant win over the United States, a reminder of just how complex Tuesday’s matchup is shaping up to be for Javier Aguirre and company.
With only a few months remaining before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Mexico faces its last major test - one the team badly needs as it works to reconnect with its demanding fanbase. Despite several key absences in their recent tune‑up match, a scoreless draw against another heavyweight like Portugal was objectively solid, even if the crowd didn’t see it that way.
Last call?
The perception is clear: Mexico enters Tuesday’s clash as the heavy underdog against Rudi Garcia’s squad. On paper, it would be borderline reckless for Aguirre to try to go toe‑to‑toe with Belgium. But in reality, El Tri showed encouraging signs against Portugal, especially in the chemistry built by its attacking pieces. Mexico created chances - and will need to lean on that same formula in Chicago.
Beyond the “friendly” label, several players need to seize this moment and win over Aguirre, and ideally, the fans as well. Even a loss - given the caliber of the opponent - would fall within reasonable expectations. What will matter most is how Mexico competes. And if El Tri manages to pull off an upset, the narrative surrounding this project could shift dramatically toward optimism.
A run of positive results, especially against top‑tier rivals, wouldn’t just boost the team’s confidence - it could reignite fan belief ahead of what many hope will be a historic World Cup breakthrough.
It’s worth noting that Mexico and Belgium have met multiple times - including several World Cup clashes - with their most recent encounter coming in 2017, a 3-3 draw. Overall, the historical record leans ever so slightly in favor of the Mexican side:
- 2017: Belgium 3-3 Mexico, friendly
- 1998: Belgium 2-2 Mexico, World Cup
- 1990: Belgium 3-0 Mexico, friendly
- 1986: Mexico 2-1 Belgium, World Cup
- 1970: Mexico 1–0 Belgium, World Cup
- 1970: Mexico 1-0 Belgium, friendly
- 1970: Belgium 2-0 Mexico, friendly
After Tuesday’s game against Belgium, three further matchups remain before Mexico’s June 11 opener against South Africa - although, on paper, none carry the same level of difficulty. El Tri’s remaining opponents:
- May 22: Ghana
- May 30: Australia
- June 4: Serbia
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