The Mexican National Team, which is preparing for next summer’s World Cup, thrashed lowly Iceland 4-0 on Wednesday in a friendly match played safely in Querétaro, central Mexico.
Richard Ledezma, Armando González, Jesús Gallardo and Brian Gutiérrez reflected on the scoreboard the superiority of the Mexicans, who played with local league stars.
Mexico beats Iceland
Eager to send a signal of confidence as organizers of the World Cup, the Mexican authorities put together a sober, but efficient security system that ensured peace of mind.
The Icelanders, ranked 74th in the FIFA rankings, came out pressing.
They capitalized on a couple of lapses by the Mexican defense, got into the box and in the 13th minute came close to taking the lead with a shot by Agúst Þorsteinsson, which was saved by goalkeeper José Raúl Rangel.
From that point on, the visitors retreated, showed signs of wear and tear and the Mexicans went on the attack to take the lead with two plays initiated by World Cup player Gallardo.
In the 22nd minute, Gonzalez received a ball and put it to Ledezma, who was lethal with his header for the 1-0.
Two minutes later, Gonzalez confirmed his good form and increased Mexico’s lead, taking a cross to the far post and tapping it into the net.
On a great night, Gallardo took a ball from Alexis Gutiérrez’s corner kick and headed the ball home to extend the lead to 3-0 in the 59th minute.
El Tri continued to push forward and in stoppage time confirmed the victory with a goal by Brian Gutiérrez, who broke free and arrived unmarked in the box.
It was Mexico’s third victory this year, all three in friendlies against opponents far from the top of the world rankings.
In January, El Tri defeated Panama, the 33rd team in the world, 1-0, and Bolivia, 76th on the world list, by the same margin.
Mexico will face Portugal, sixth in the FIFA ranking, on March 28 at the Azteca Stadium, and Belgium, ninth in the world ranking, on March 31.
More than a match, a tribute!
“Mexican Heroes”
This February 25, 2026, members of the Army, Air Force and National Guard participated in the protocol act prior to the start of the men’s soccer match between Mexico and Iceland, at the Corregidora stadium in Querétaro, Qro. with the… pic.twitter.com/z0AfE6gA8t
– @Defensamx (@Defensamx1) February 26, 2026
Beyond the goals, the big news was the atmosphere and the heartfelt tribute offered in honor of the members of the National Guard and the Mexican Army who died during the operation in which“El Mencho” was killed.
In an act that raised the skin of those attending the Estadio Corregidora, the Army, Air Force and National Guard led the protocol prior to the Mexico vs.
With the unfurling of the monumental flag and the notes of the National Anthem, the stadium was united in a single sentiment: to honor the memory of the elements who lost their lives in the line of duty during the recent operation in Jalisco.
The public, in a show of national unity, observed a minute of silence that transformed the soccer passion into solemn gratitude for the sacrifice of those who served their country.
In addition, the authorities put together a security operation that went smoothly, demonstrating that Mexico is more than ready to host the 2026 World Cup.
Filed under: Mexico beats Iceland
