So, you’re looking for the Mexico game. I get it. With the 2026 World Cup looming over everything like a giant, neon sign, every time the green jersey steps onto a pitch, it feels like a massive deal.
But if you’re checking the TV guide for "El Tri" today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you might be a little disappointed. The Mexican National Team is not playing an official international match today.
Wait—don't close the tab yet. While Javier Aguirre’s squad isn't in action this afternoon, the Mexican soccer world is actually moving at a thousand miles per hour right now. Between Liga MX drama and a very weird January friendly schedule, there is plenty you need to know so you don't miss the actual kickoff later this week.
Mexico’s Next Game: Mark Your Calendar
If you're asking who does Mexico play today, the short answer is nobody, but the long answer is they are currently in camp preparing for a trip south. Aguirre has a specific plan for this month, and it doesn't involve sitting on the couch.
Mexico’s next match is against Panama on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
This isn't a FIFA-sanctioned window, which basically means the European clubs (think Edson Álvarez at West Ham or Santiago Giménez) are staying put. This is a "Liga MX only" special. It’s a chance for the domestic guys to prove they belong on the plane for the World Cup in June.
Here is the immediate lineup of games you actually need to watch:
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- January 22, 2026: Mexico vs. Panama (Away in Panama City)
- January 25, 2026: Mexico vs. Bolivia (Away in Santa Cruz/La Paz)
- February 26, 2026: Mexico vs. Iceland (Home friendly)
Why is Mexico Playing Today in Spirit? (The Liga MX Factor)
While the national team isn't playing, Mexican soccer is everywhere today. We are currently in Jornada 3 of the Clausura 2026. If you see people in Mexico jerseys at the bar today, they’re probably watching the domestic league, which is basically an audition for the national team right now.
Earlier today, Pumas and León fought to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. It was a gritty game. Diber Cambindo put León ahead, but Juninho saved Pumas later on.
The big one tonight? Pachuca vs. América.
This match is basically a "Who Does Mexico Play Today" scouting report. Javier Aguirre is reportedly watching several players in this game closely. With the Panama friendly just four days away, the players on the pitch tonight are quite literally fighting for a spot in the national team roster that travels tomorrow.
The Weird Legends Match You Might Have Missed
If you saw highlights of Mexico playing recently—like, yesterday—it was probably the FIFA Legends Match in Monterrey.
It was wild. We're talking Luis "El Matador" Hernández, Cafú, and Xavi all on the same pitch. It ended in a 5-5 draw (yes, really) and Mexico Legends eventually won on penalties. It’s part of the massive hype machine leading up to the World Cup opener at the Estadio Azteca on June 11.
The 2026 World Cup Road Map
Honestly, everything right now is just a dress rehearsal. We already know the big dates. If you're planning your life around the national team, these are the only dates that truly matter:
- June 11, 2026: Mexico vs. South Africa (Estadio Azteca) - The Big Opener.
- June 18, 2026: Mexico vs. South Korea (Estadio Akron, Guadalajara).
- June 24, 2026: Mexico vs. UEFA Playoff Winner (Estadio Azteca).
There's a lot of talk about Hirving "Chucky" Lozano right now, too. He’s currently clubless after leaving San Diego FC and is desperate to find a team in Europe this month. Why? Because if he isn't playing top-flight ball by March, Aguirre might actually drop him from the World Cup squad. That would have been unthinkable two years ago.
What You Should Do Now
Since there’s no national team game to watch this second, you’ve got a couple of options to stay ready for the Panama game on Thursday.
First, keep an eye on the Pachuca vs. América score tonight. It kicks off at 8:00 PM ET. Watch for the young Mexican talent; those are the faces you’ll see wearing the green jersey in four days.
Second, check your local listings for TUDN or Univision. Since the Panama and Bolivia games are "unoffical" friendlies, the broadcasting rights can be a bit finicky compared to the usual FIFA matches. You'll want to make sure you have your streaming login sorted before Thursday night.
Lastly, if you're looking for tickets to the February game against Iceland, those are expected to go on general sale within the next week. Given the World Cup fever hitting Mexico right now, those will disappear in minutes.