The Mexican National Team has already mapped out the next stage of its road to the 2026 World Cup, and the toughest opponents will come from within its own region: in January, El Tri could face top CONCACAF clubs as part of its preparation schedule.
According to recent reports, the Mexican Soccer Federation – accommodating the request of coach Javier “Vasco” Aguirre – has identified three Central American clubs as likely options: Alianza (El Salvador), Olimpia (Honduras) and Comunicaciones (Guatemala). From that group, two would be chosen for those friendly matches in January. Although it has not yet been determined where they will be played -they could be stadiums in Central America or even venues in the U.S.A.- the dynamics could replicate the style of the South American tour that Mexico has already executed, facing River Plate and Internacional de Porto Alegre as part of the World Cup rehearsal.
Ramification of the preparation plan
At the close of 2025, the Mexican National Team will face definitive friendlies:
On November 15 against Uruguay in Torreón and on November 18 against Paraguay at the Alamodome in Texas.
Then, after those matches and the South American experience, there would be the commitments with CONCACAF clubs in January 2026.
It has not yet been determined where they will be played
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These club matches will not fall during the FIFA window, which means that the Mexican National Team will probably only have Liga MX players for those games.
On the other hand, Mexican clubs have already approved the release of their called-up players six and a half weeks before the 2026 World Cup, providing more extensive preparation and continuity to Aguirre’s work.
What to expect and what impact will it have?
Buzzy
These matches of the Mexican National Team will be key to adjust tactics, test alternatives in the squad and strengthen the local game system.
Playing clubs within the CONCACAF zone allows for replicating regional styles of play and streamlining the calendar without relying solely on international teams.
For U.S. Hispanic fans of El Tri, this could translate into friendly matches in U.S. stadiums, which would offer greater proximity to attend or follow them closely.
In short, the Mexican National Team takes advantage of each window to test itself on multiple fronts:
Qualified teams, South American clubs and now clubs within their own confederation.
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