So, you’re looking for the kickoff time to catch El Tri in action. Honestly, there’s nothing like the buzz of a Mexico matchday. But here’s the thing: if you’re looking for the senior men’s national team on the pitch right this second, January 17, 2026, you won’t find them.
They aren't playing today.
Instead, the Mexican soccer world is currently laser-focused on the domestic front with Liga MX Clausura 2026 matchday 3 taking over the weekend. While the national team is resting up for their upcoming friendlies, the stars of El Tri are busy fighting for points with their clubs.
The Real Schedule for Mexico National Team
If you’re checking what time Mexico play today hoping for an international fixture, you’ll need to mark your calendar for next week. Javier "Vasco" Aguirre’s squad is gearing up for a vital January camp.
Because this isn't a FIFA-sanctioned international window, the roster is made up entirely of Liga MX players. It’s a huge opportunity for domestic talent to prove they belong in the 2026 World Cup squad.
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- January 22, 2026: Mexico vs. Panama at the Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM ET.
- January 25, 2026: Mexico vs. Bolivia in the altitude of Santa Cruz. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 PM ET.
These aren't just "meaningless" friendlies. Aguirre is under immense pressure to finalize his core group before the European-based stars join for the high-profile March matches against Portugal and Belgium.
Why Mexico Play Today (Wait, it's Liga MX)
While the green jersey isn't out today, Mexican soccer is very much alive. If you just want to see the players who will likely suit up for the national team next Thursday, you’ve got plenty of options.
Today’s Liga MX slate is packed.
Chivas de Guadalajara—who usually provide a massive chunk of the national team roster—take on Querétaro at 6:05 PM ET. Later tonight, Tigres UANL hosts Toluca at 8:00 PM ET, and Cruz Azul faces Puebla at 10:00 PM ET.
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Watching these games is basically like watching an El Tri tryout. You've got guys like Diego Lainez and Roberto Alvarado trying to keep their spots. Honestly, the intensity in these league games is sometimes higher than the friendlies because these players know Aguirre is watching every single minute.
The 2026 World Cup Countdown
We are officially less than six months away from the biggest event in the history of North American soccer. Mexico will be hosting the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the legendary Estadio Azteca.
Here is the confirmed Group A schedule for El Tri:
- June 11, 2026: Mexico vs. South Africa (Opening Match) - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
- June 18, 2026: Mexico vs. South Korea - Estadio Akron, Guadalajara.
- June 24, 2026: Mexico vs. UEFA Playoff Winner - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
The "UEFA Playoff Winner" will be decided in March, with teams like Denmark or the Republic of Ireland potentially landing in Mexico's group. It’s a tricky draw. South Africa and South Korea both bring a level of speed and discipline that has historically given Mexico trouble.
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How to Watch the Upcoming Matches
When the national team finally hits the field next Thursday against Panama, you’ll likely find it on the usual suspects. In the U.S., TUDN, Univision, and Fox Deportes generally handle the Spanish-language broadcasts.
For English speakers, keep an eye on CBS Sports Golazo Network or the FOX family of networks. If you’re a cord-cutter, ViX and Fubo are your best bets for streaming.
Kinda frustrating when there isn't a game on a Saturday, right? But the Liga MX action today is the perfect appetizer.
Actionable Next Steps
To stay ahead of the game and never miss a kickoff, here is what you should do right now:
- Sync your calendar: Manually add the January 22nd (8 PM ET) and January 25th (2:30 PM ET) matches so you don't forget the midweek start.
- Check the Liga MX results tonight: Keep an eye on the Chivas and Tigres matches to see which players are in form before the national team camp opens on Monday.
- Download the Mi Selección app: It’s the official app for the Mexican National Team and usually provides the most accurate, up-to-the-minute roster news and lineup leaks.