So, you’re looking to find out what time does Mexico play? Honestly, being a fan of El Tri is a full-time job. One day they are playing a casual friendly in a half-empty stadium in California, and the next, they are the center of the universe as co-hosts of the World Cup.
The schedule for 2026 is already looking absolutely mental. We are officially in a World Cup year. If you're a die-hard supporter, your sleep schedule is basically at the mercy of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and FIFA. Right now, things are moving fast. Javier Aguirre is tinkering with the roster, trying out Liga MX talent, and looking for that perfect chemistry before the world descends on North America this summer.
The Immediate Fixtures: January and February 2026
If you’re wondering about the next few weeks, get your coffee ready. Mexico is currently in "evaluation mode." This means lots of travel and some unconventional kickoff times.
January 22, 2026: Mexico vs. Panama This one is happening at the Estadio Rommel Fernández. It’s an away game, which Aguirre specifically requested to test his players in "hostile environments."
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM EST (7:00 PM Central Time in Mexico).
January 25, 2026: Mexico vs. Bolivia The team travels to Santa Cruz for this one. It's a quick turnaround.
📖 Related: U of Washington Football News: Why Jedd Fisch’s Roster Overhaul Is Working
- Kickoff Time: 2:30 PM EST.
February 25, 2026: Mexico vs. Iceland Back home for this one! They’ll be playing at the Estadio La Corregidora in Querétaro. It’s a classic midweek friendly against a European side to test tactical discipline.
- Kickoff Time: 9:00 PM EST (8:00 PM local).
The March International Break
March is where things get serious. This is the last real "FIFA Window" before the final World Cup preparations. Mexico has lined up two massive friendlies that will probably tell us exactly how good (or bad) this team is going to be when the points actually matter.
On March 28, 2026, Mexico faces Portugal. This is the one everyone is talking about. It's taking place at the Estadio Banorte. You've got to assume Cristiano Ronaldo—if he's still defying the laws of aging—will be the main attraction. The game starts at 7:00 PM CST.
Just a few days later, on March 31, 2026, they head to the United States to face Belgium at Soldier Field in Chicago. Chicago is basically a second home for El Tri, so expect a massive crowd. That game is set for 8:00 PM local time.
👉 See also: Top 5 Wide Receivers in NFL: What Most People Get Wrong
The 2026 World Cup: The Big Ones
This is it. The reason you're really asking what time does Mexico play. As co-hosts, Mexico is in Group A. They will play the opening match of the entire tournament at the legendary Estadio Azteca. Think about the pressure. Think about the noise.
June 11, 2026: Mexico vs. South Africa * Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM local (CST).
This is a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener. Let’s hope for a better result than that 1-1 draw.
- Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM local (CST).
June 18, 2026: Mexico vs. South Korea * Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
- Kickoff: 9:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM local (CST).
Guadalajara is going to be rocking for this one.
- Kickoff: 9:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM local (CST).
June 24, 2026: Mexico vs. UEFA Playoff Winner D * Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
✨ Don't miss: Tonya Johnson: The Real Story Behind Saquon Barkley's Mom and His NFL Journey
- Kickoff: 9:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM local (CST).
The opponent is still TBD, but it’ll be someone like Czechia, Ireland, or Denmark.
- Kickoff: 9:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM local (CST).
Why the Kickoff Times Keep Changing
You've probably noticed that sometimes you see one time on Google and another on Twitter. It’s annoying.
Television rights are the biggest culprit. Networks like FOX, Telemundo, and Televisa fight over these slots to maximize viewership. For friendlies, the FMF often moves times to accommodate the "MexTour" crowds in the US. For the World Cup, FIFA dictates everything to ensure global audiences in Europe and Asia can actually see the games without staying up until 4:00 AM.
Also, keep an eye on the time zones. Mexico City is on Central Standard Time (CST), but most US schedules list everything in Eastern Time (ET). Always subtract an hour if you are watching from the capital.
How to Stay Updated Without Getting Confused
Don't just trust a random social media post. Schedules for friendlies can be surprisingly fluid.
- Check the FMF (Federación Mexicana de Fútbol) official site about 48 hours before the match.
- Use the FIFA+ app for the World Cup games; it automatically syncs to your local time zone.
- If you're in the US, the Fox Sports app usually has the most reliable countdown clocks.
Basically, if you want to know what time does Mexico play, you need to know where they are playing first. A 9:00 PM start in Chicago is very different from a 9:00 PM start in Mexico City or a midday kickoff in Europe.
Actionable Next Steps:
Sync your digital calendar with the official FIFA World Cup schedule now to avoid missing the June 11 opener. If you're planning to attend the friendlies in January or February, verify the stadium gate opening times, as security for the Javier Aguirre "hostile environment" tests is expected to be tighter than usual. Finally, ensure your streaming subscriptions (ViX, Peacock, or Fox Sports) are active at least a week before the March Portugal clash, as these high-profile matches often see login surges that can lock out unprepared users.