The Mexican national team has unveiled an ambitious slate of 15 World Cup warm-up matches as part of its final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These fixtures will pit El Tri against a diverse set of opponents from Europe, Asia and South America. This will occur in the build-up to hosting football’s showcase event on home soil.
In a ceremony at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento (CAR) in Mexico City, Mexican Football Federation commissioner Mikel Arriola confirmed the schedule. He also marked 307 days until kickoff by unveiling a digital countdown clock at the training complex. Arriola emphasized that Mexico will be the only host nation to stage a six-week closed camp. This will include removing all Liga MX playoff players from consideration and scrapping the Play-In round, providing a 73 percent longer training window than their rivals.
World Cup warm-up matches
Under the plan, El Tri will log three fixtures in Europe against national teams still fighting UEFA qualifiers. Afterward, they will travel to Asia for at least two matches featuring nations that have already clinched their tickets to North America. The final leg of the series will bring South American powerhouses to North America for a mix of home and neutral-site friendlies.
The exact opponents remain under negotiation. European options include teams such as the Czech Republic and Macedonia. Meanwhile, Asian contenders could range from Japan to South Korea, with South American invitations expected to cover the continent’s elite. Colombia and Ecuador are among the frontrunners. Officials aim to balance competitive value with fan engagement across multiple time zones and venues.
Preparations at CAR have already entered their next phase. The training pitch has received upgraded turf, and living quarters are being expanded to house the extended roster. Head coach Javier “Vasco” Aguirre will use the expanded window to finalize tactical plans and assess fringe players. This approach will occur against high-level opposition. The goal is to build cohesion and match fitness in an environment that simulates the pressures of a tournament host.
2025 CONCACAF Nations League
Looking ahead, Mexico will also participate in the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League finals and the Gold Cup. Those competitive fixtures will serve as additional benchmarks before the dedicated warm-up series begins in the autumn of 2025. By staging matches in major markets such as Guadalajara, Houston and Monterrey, the federation hopes to engage its broad diaspora. They aim to test the squad under diverse conditions.
Fans can expect official dates and venues to be announced in the coming weeks. Ticket sales will prioritize season-ticket holders and local supporters before general release. Broadcast deals are in negotiation across North America, Europe and Asia. These deals are part of a global strategy to maximize exposure and build momentum for what promises to be a landmark World Cup campaign for Mexico.
With the clock ticking down, the federation’s bold schedule underscores its intent to field a fully prepared team in 2026. These World Cup warm-up matches will be a critical final step in the nation’s bid to make an impact on football’s grandest stage.
