USMNT and Mexico National Team Prepare for 2026 World Cup with Friendlies Against Portugal and Belgium
The U.S. men’s national team and the Mexico national team are gearing up for the 2026 World Cup with upcoming friendlies against top-tier opponents Portugal and Belgium. The USMNT, led by Mauricio Pochettino, is on a positive streak after a 5-1 victory over Uruguay, while Mexico, under Javier Aguirre, is looking to bounce back from a six-game winless run. Both teams are preparing for the World Cup group stage draw and will face tough tests against Portugal and Belgium to gauge their readiness for the tournament.
The USMNT will take on Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on March 31 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Pochettino is excited about the challenge these matches will bring and sees them as valuable opportunities for the players and fans alike. The USMNT has history with both teams from the 2014 World Cup, and they will aim to continue their positive momentum heading into the World Cup.
Mexico will host Portugal at the iconic Estadio Azteca on March 28 before traveling to face Belgium at Soldier Field on March 31. The return to Estadio Azteca after a renovation project is a significant moment for El Tri, and facing Portugal and Belgium will provide a tough test for Aguirre's team. Mexico's national team director, Duilio Davino, sees these matches as an honor and a great opportunity to measure the team's readiness for the World Cup.
Both the USMNT and Mexico are looking forward to these high-caliber friendlies as they continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The matches against Portugal and Belgium will be crucial in determining the teams' form and readiness for the tournament, and fans can expect exciting and competitive games as the teams face off against top-ranked opponents.