Why Mexico’s National Soccer Team Chose to Play Friendly Matches – Mexico’s national soccer team is gearing up for an unusual start to 2025 with two friendly matches against South American club powerhouses. El Tri will face Brazil’s Internacional on January 16 and Argentina’s River Plate on January 21, showcasing a creative approach to their World Cup preparation.
Why Club Teams? Mexico’s Unique World Cup Prep Strategy
As co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico faces a scheduling puzzle. With most nations focused on World Cup qualifiers, finding international opponents for friendlies has become a challenge. The solution? Take on some of South America’s most storied club teams.
These matches offer our players a chance to experience high-pressure environments against quality opposition, said Javier Aguirre, Mexico’s head coach. It’s an innovative way to keep our team sharp and prepared for 2026.
The squad for these friendlies consists entirely of Liga MX players, providing valuable international exposure for domestic talent. Fans can catch the action live, with the Internacional match streaming on Fubo.
Key details for the upcoming friendlies
- Internacional vs. Mexico: January 16, 2025, at Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- River Plate vs. Mexico: January 21, 2025 (venue to be confirmed)
Mexico’s schedule is packed with crucial tournaments
- March 2025: Concacaf Nations League semifinals and final
- June 2025: Concacaf Gold Cup
- June 11, 2026: 2026 World Cup kickoff
These club friendlies mark just the beginning of Mexico’s journey to the 2026 World Cup. As El Tri continues to think outside the box in their preparations, soccer fans around the world will be watching closely to see how this unconventional approach pays off on the global stage.
Also Read – Biden’s Farewell Address: A Call to Protect Democracy and Face New Challenges
