If you're asking when does mexico soccer team play, you're likely feeling that specific brand of nervous excitement that only El Tri fans understand. It is 2026. The wait is basically over. The single biggest sporting event on the planet is landing on North American soil, and Mexico isn't just participating; they are the heart of the opening act.
Honestly, the schedule for this year is a wild mix of high-altitude friendlies and the most high-stakes matches the team has faced in a generation. Javier Aguirre is back at the helm, and the pressure is, frankly, suffocating.
The immediate calendar is packed. Before the World Cup kicks off in June, the federation has squeezed in a series of "preparation matches" designed to test the depth of the Liga MX-heavy squad. You’ve got to keep your eyes on these dates because they’ll determine who actually makes the final cut for the big dance.
Upcoming Friendly Schedule (The Warm-up)
Mexico starts the year with a bit of a travel grind. On January 22, 2026, they head to Panama to play at the Estadio Rommel Fernández. It’s always a hostile environment there, which is exactly why Aguirre wanted it.
Just three days later, on January 25, the team travels to the altitude of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. It’s a lung-buster. Playing in Bolivia is never about the "beautiful game"—it’s about survival and seeing who can still run in the 80th minute when the air feels like it’s gone.
💡 You might also like: Ole Miss v Arkansas: Why This SEC Rivalry Always Gets Weird
Moving into February, things get a little more domestic. On February 25, 2026, Mexico hosts Iceland at the Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro.
March is when the European flavor arrives. These are the games where we finally see how the squad stacks up against elite competition.
- March 28, 2026: Mexico vs. Portugal at Estadio Banorte.
- March 31, 2026: Mexico vs. Belgium at Soldier Field in Chicago.
That Chicago game is basically a home match for Mexico. If you've ever been to Soldier Field when the green jerseys are in town, you know it's a sea of noise. It's the final real test before the tournament roster is set in stone.
When Does Mexico Soccer Team Play in the 2026 World Cup?
This is it. The big one. The 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico has been handed the keys to the kingdom as a co-host. They are playing all three of their group stage matches on home soil, which is a massive advantage—if they can handle the weight of 100 million people's expectations.
The Opening Match: June 11, 2026
Mexico vs. South Africa.
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
Time: 1:00 PM CST.
The Azteca is the first stadium in history to host three World Cup opening matches. It’s legendary. It’s intimidating. It’s where Pelé and Maradona cemented their legacies. If Mexico doesn't take three points here, the national mood will turn sour fast.
The Second Match: June 18, 2026
Mexico vs. South Korea.
Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara.
Time: 7:00 PM CST.
✨ Don't miss: Cómo está el Barcelona: La realidad tras el efecto Hansi Flick y la economía del club
Guadalajara is the heart of Mexican soccer culture. Expect the atmosphere at the Akron to be electric. South Korea is fast, disciplined, and they’ve historically given Mexico trouble with their counter-attacks. This is the "swing" game of the group.
The Group Stage Finale: June 24, 2026
Mexico vs. UEFA Playoff Winner (Likely Czechia, Denmark, or Republic of Ireland).
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
Back to the capital. By this point, we will know if Mexico is cruising or if they are in a "win or go home" scenario. The opponent will be determined by the final European playoffs, but regardless of who it is, the Azteca will be a pressure cooker.
Where to Watch and How to Get Tickets
If you’re trying to be there in person, I hope you’ve been saving your pesos. Tickets for the opening match at the Azteca are currently being quoted on resale markets like SeatGeek for upwards of $3,000. It’s steep. Even the Guadalajara match is hovering around $1,700 for decent seats.
For the rest of us, the games will be broadcast across the usual suspects: Televisa/Univision and TV Azteca in Mexico, and likely FOX/FS1 and Telemundo in the United States.
Key Logistics for Fans:
- Fan ID: Don't forget that for 2026, FIFA is strictly enforcing digital Fan IDs for stadium entry.
- Travel: If you're moving between Mexico City and Guadalajara, book your flights now. Aeromexico and Volaris are already seeing massive surges in demand for those June dates.
- Flag Football? Randomly, if you're in San Francisco for the Super Bowl in February, the Mexico National Flag Football team is playing Team USA in an exhibition on Feb 5th. It’s a cool little Olympic preview for 2028.
The Strategy Under Javier Aguirre
Aguirre isn't interested in flashy, possession-based "tiki-taka" if it doesn't result in goals. He’s been vocal about "sacrificing" for the shirt. We’re seeing a shift toward a more pragmatic, defensive-first approach.
The January and February friendlies will mostly feature Liga MX players. Expect to see guys like Diego Lainez and Jesús Gallardo getting heavy minutes to prove they can handle Aguirre's "suffer to win" philosophy. The European-based stars like Santiago Giménez and Edson Álvarez won't join the camp until the March FIFA window.
There is a real concern about the lack of competitive matches. Since Mexico qualified automatically as a host, they haven't played a meaningful qualifier in years. These friendlies aren't just for show; they are the only way to build the "competitive muscle" needed to survive the knockout rounds.
💡 You might also like: Thomas Muller German Soccer: Why the Raumdeuter Still Matters in 2026
Actionable Steps for the 12th Man
If you are planning to follow the team this summer, stop waiting for "official" travel packages. They are overpriced.
- Download the FIFA+ App: This is where the real-time schedule updates and "Last Minute" ticket portals live.
- Check the Venue Guides: The Azteca is under massive renovation to meet 2026 standards. Entry points have changed, and the "Coloso de Santa Úrsula" will look different than it did two years ago.
- March is the Deadline: If you want to see the team in Chicago against Belgium, buy those tickets before the February Iceland game. Once the "World Cup fever" truly hits in the spring, prices will double.
The road to the "quinto partido" (the elusive fifth game) starts now. Whether they are playing in the thin air of Bolivia or under the bright lights of the Azteca, the calendar is set. Mark your dates.