Chicago’s Soldier Field was dressed to the nines and, in front of more than 50,000 cheering fans, the Mexican National Team delivered one of its strongest and most convincing performances of the past year.
In a friendly that tasted like a real test of fire, Javier Aguirre’s team drew 1-1 against a Belgium team that came in as clear favorites, but came up against an emboldened and tactically disciplined “Tri”.
Mexico vs Belgium friendly 2026
Unlike the match at the Azteca Stadium, where Mexico struggled to get possession of the ball, today the story was different from the opening whistle.
Just two minutes in, Julián Quiñones gave the first warning with a dangerous finish that sent shivers down the spine of the European defense.
Mexico not only kept possession, but also played with an aggressiveness without the ball that completely unsettled Raúl García’s team.
The reward for their persistence came in the 19th minute.
After a corner kick and a series of rebounds in the box, full-back Jorge Sanchez showed a striker’s eye for goal, picked up the ball and left-footed it home to make it 1-0.
The explosion of jubilation in Chicago was total; Mexico was beating the ninth best team in the world.
Belgium responds and disorder comes with changes
Relive Lubekakio’s goal to tie the game
🇲🇽 @miseleccionmx 1-1 #Belgium 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/7tAeUJ27eC
– Tribune Sports ⚽️🏈🏀⚾️🥊 (@Tribunadeportes) April 1, 2026
However, the powers that be are not forgiving.
As soon as the second half got underway, Belgium put things in order.
In the 46th minute, Dodi Lukebakio received a precise assist from Yuri Tielemans and, with a left-footed shot into the corner, left “Tala” Rangel with no chance.
The 1-1 draw dampened the mood, but not the Mexican team’s commitment.
As the minutes passed, the match entered the typical friendly zone: the dance of changes.
Belgium changed practically its entire starting eleven, sending out stars such as Jeremy Doku, while Aguirre made six changes, including the introduction of Alexis Vega and “Chino” Huerta.
Although the game became disorganized and Belgium dominated the closing stages, the Mexican defense, led by César Montes and Johan Vásquez, resisted the onslaught of the “Red Devils”.
The balance sheet of “Vasco” Aguirre
WE’RE LOVING BELGIUM IS COMING ALVVVVV
MEXICO 1-0 BELGIUM pic.twitter.com/uUwwNN2QDQM
– edgarchavezbw (@mundoapuestasbw) April 1, 2026
With this result, Javier Aguirre has a record of 15 wins, 9 ties and only 5 defeats in this process.
But beyond the numbers, what is exciting is the performance.
Today we saw a Mexico side that did not shrink from the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel, showing that when there is order and hunger, you can compete at the highest level.
What’s next for El Tri?
The preparation does not stop.
Mexico will return to action on May 22 against Ghana, before facing Australia on May 30 and Serbia on June 4.
These will be the last rehearsals before the big 2026 World Cup debut on June 11 against South Africa.
Do you think this is Mexico’s real level or did Belgium hold something back?
Filed under: Mexico vs Belgium friendly 2026
