World Cup 2026 co-hosts Mexico are all set to host Belgium in a high-profile friendly fixture at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Wednesday.
Mexico and Belgium are both gearing up for the World Cup in some fine fashion. El Tri will be eyeing a fourth win in their last five outings, while the Red Devils will be hoping to make it three wins in a row.
While they do have a couple more friendlies prior to the start of the main event, this is their final opportunity to have a look at all their players and finalise the squad.
Mexico secured direct qualification to the World Cup as co-hosts, and they have been putting in a lot of work to prepare for it. Not only did they win the Concacaf Gold Cup, but they were also on a six-match winning streak prior to their 0-0 draw against Portugal last time out.
Managing to secure a draw against Portugal was certainly a good result for them, but now they will be hoping to return to winning ways against Belgium. But it won’t be easy, as the Red Devils also have a star-studded squad at their disposal.
Rudi Garcia’s team secured a place in the World Cup finals by finishing top of Group J with five wins and three draws in eight outings. They have been unbeaten in their last ten matches in all competitions (7 wins, 3 draws).
The Red Devils secured a comfortable 5-2 win over the United States in their last outing. While America took the lead, Belgium bounced back and got the job done without much trouble. They will be hoping to build on that result against Mexico. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Mexico
Javier Aguirren remains without skipper Edson Alvarez, who picked up a knee injury last month. He should be back in time for the World Cup.
Mexico do not have any fresh injury concern. They will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, where Raul Rangel should continue in goal. Jesus Gallardo and Israel Reyes will feature as the full-backs, while Cesar Montes and Johan Vasquez will feature in the heart of the defence.
In the centre of the park, Erik Lira could take up the holding role, while Roberto Alvarado and Obed Vargas will be in his support. The trio will look to ensure they do not allow Belgium midfielders to run the show.
In the final third, Brian Gutierrez and Alvaro Fidalgo will feature on the flanks, while Raul Jimenez will be the one leading the line for Mexico.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Alvarado, Lira, Vargas; Fidalgo, Jimenez, Gutierrez
Belgium
Just like many other Arsenal players, Leandro Trossard has also withdrawn from this international break. The Red Devils haven’t suffered any fresh injuries heading into this fixture.
Garcia could go ahead with the exact XI that started in their last outing. It will be the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Manchester United shot-stopper Senne Lammens will feature in goal.
Thomas Meunier and Maxim De Cuyper will be the two full-backs; they will provide support to Brandon Mechele and Zeno Debast, who will take charge in the heart of the defence.
In the centre of the park, Nicolas Raskin and Amadou Onana will form the double pivot. They will shield the backline and look to ensure they dictate the pace of the game.
Alexis Saelemaekers and Jeremy Doku will provide width to their attacks from the flanks, while Kevin De Bruyne will continue in the number ten role behind Charles De Ketelaere, who will be leading the line.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Lammens; Meunier, Debast, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Onana; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere
Key Stats
- Belgium have been unbeaten in their last ten matches in all competitions (7 wins, 3 draws).
- Prior to their draw against Portugal, Mexico had won each of their last six games across competitions.
- Following a group stage exit last time out, the Red Devils will be looking to go deep in the World Cup finals this time.
- Mexico have only managed to score more than one goal once in their last seven outings.
- Rudi Garcia’s team will be eyeing a third straight win when they square off against Mexico.
Player to Watch
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne will undoubtedly be the player to watch as he looks to make his mark following a frustrating debut season in Italy. The 34-year-old Napoli midfielder has only featured in 14 matches due to a hamstring injury, but still managed to contribute with four goals and two assists.
Now back to full fitness, the former Manchester City skipper will be eager to remind everyone of his world-class quality on the international stage. His vision, passing range, and ability to unlock defences could prove crucial against Mexico, and if he manages to find his rhythm, he has the potential to dictate the tempo and be the difference-maker for his team.
Prediction
Mexico 1-2 Belgium
Mexico will head into this friendly with confidence, especially given their recent run of results and home support. They are expected to stay compact, work hard in midfield, and look to create chances through quick transitions. However, breaking down a well-structured Belgian side will not be straightforward, and they will need to be clinical in the final third.
Belgium, on the other hand, have been in excellent form and boast significant quality across the pitch. With players capable of controlling the tempo and unlocking defences, the Red Devils are likely to see a lot of the ball and create better opportunities.
While Mexico could make it competitive, Belgium’s attacking firepower might just give them the edge in what should be a closely contested encounter. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for the Red Devils.
