Mexico’s El Tri finished their final FIFA World Cup 2026 warm up game, a thumping 5-1 victory over FIFA #41 ranked Serbia. Playing at altitude in Toluca, Mexican fans were able to see their team enter a home World Cup with some confidence.
El Tri Finish May and June Undefeated
Playing three matches across May and June ahead of the first group stage against South Africa on Thursday, June 11th, El Tri finished undefeated and only conceded one goal.
Against Ghana on May 22nd in Puebla, Brian Gutierrez, the Mexican-American from Chivas, and Pumas striker Guillermo Martinez were on the scoresheet against a World Cup qualified side. With Mexico generating twice as many chances and dictating possession of the ball.
Against Australia on May 30th in California, Mexico were pressed hard but came away 1-0 winners as Johan Vasquez was the only goalscorer, the captain of Genoa in Italy’s Serie A. Australia, lacking firepower, had a credible second threat at times but Mexico defended bravely.
In the third and final World Cup warm-up in Toluca on June 4th, Mexico ran away against Serbia 5-1 winners. A struggling Serbia sided had two own goals wans outshot 17-3 on the night, while Mexico had 66% of the ball. While Serbia were the surprising first goal scorer, as Petar Stanic made a great move to open the first half scoring, Vasquez scored again for Mexico in the first half, assisted by Brian Gutierrez to level the scoring. An own goal would give Mexico a 2-1 lead at the half.
Veteran Raul Jimenez added another goal in the second half, before one more own goal, and a Luis Chavez banger saw Mexico win 5-1 as once again, Javier Vasco Aguirre heavily rotated his squad with substitutions. Vasquez, Roberto Alvarado, Julian Quinones, and Gutierrez were among the standouts while defender Jorge Sanchez from PAOK struggled. Toluca’s Alexis Vega got second half minutes, as did Chavez, Orbelin Pineda, and the teenage sensation Gilberto Mora.
While warm-up matches aren’t the only measure of a team’s quality, it’s still a great feeling for El Tri to be in winning form when they need it most.
The goal for Jimenez places him second all time in terms of goals scored for El Tri.
Mexico Open Their World Cup Against South Africa
On June 11th in Mexico City at Estadio Azteca, Mexico will open their tournament against South Africa, who face Jamaica next and recently drew with Nicaragua. That’s followed by a June 18th clash with South Korea at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, before returning to Mexico City to play Czech Republic (Czechia) on June 24th to conclude the group stage.
Given their recent form, and home field advantage, Mexico are currently the odds on favorite to top Group A, but a deeper run in the knockout stage is still a tough ask for this squad.
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
