Who is involved
As the international football community gears up for the friendly match between Mexico and Belgium on March 31, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago, expectations are sharply divided. Historically, Mexico has been a formidable presence in the CONCACAF region, while Belgium has emerged as a European powerhouse, boasting a squad filled with talent. However, the recent performances of both teams paint a contrasting picture that could influence their trajectories leading into the 2026 World Cup.
Before this pivotal encounter, Mexico’s recent form has been less than inspiring. The team, under the guidance of coach Javier Aguirre, managed a disappointing 0-0 draw against Portugal in their last outing. This result is part of a troubling trend, as Mexico has only scored four goals in seven games since the 2025 Gold Cup, getting blanked in four of those matches. The last time Mexico secured a victory against a top-10 ranked team was during the 2018 World Cup against Germany, a statistic that looms large as they prepare to face Belgium.
In stark contrast, Belgium enters this match riding a wave of confidence. The Red Devils, led by stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Yuri Tielemans, recently defeated the United States 5-2, showcasing their offensive prowess. Over their last ten games, Belgium has scored an impressive 37 goals, with 17 of those coming in just their last four matches. This unbeaten run of ten games highlights their attacking capabilities and sets a high bar for Mexico to meet.
The immediate implications of this match are significant for both teams. For Mexico, a strong performance could bolster their confidence as they approach the World Cup, with just over two months remaining until the tournament kicks off. As noted by analysts, “A good performance and result would also go a long way toward improving El Tri’s confidence with the World Cup just a little over two months away.” Conversely, Belgium aims to maintain their momentum and further solidify their status as one of the favorites in the upcoming World Cup.
Expert voices have weighed in on the contrasting trajectories of these two teams. While Mexico’s backline has shown some resilience since Aguirre’s return, the lack of offensive output is concerning. Analysts have pointed out that “Mexico’s backline has done alright since Aguirre’s return, but since the 2025 Gold Cup, El Tri has only scored four goals in seven games during FIFA windows, getting blanked four times.” This stark reality underscores the challenges facing Mexico as they prepare for a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Belgium’s recent form has been characterized by a relentless attack. Commentators have remarked that “Belgium is a completely different story. García’s side has 17 goals in its last four games and has only failed to find the back of the net once during its 10-game unbeaten run—scoring 37 goals in that stretch.” This offensive efficiency places Belgium in a position of strength as they approach the friendly match against Mexico.
As the teams finalize their lineups, Mexico is expected to field players such as Raúl Jiménez and Erick Sánchez, while Belgium will likely rely on talents like Amadou Onana and Axel Witsel. The absence of Leandro Trossard from Belgium’s camp adds another layer of intrigue to the match. With both teams looking to make a statement, the outcome of this friendly could have lasting implications for their World Cup preparations.
In summary, the upcoming clash between Mexico and Belgium is not just a friendly; it represents a critical juncture for both teams. With contrasting recent performances and expectations, the match will serve as a litmus test for Mexico’s aspirations and a chance for Belgium to continue their dominant run. As the football world watches, the stakes are undeniably high for both sides.
