The Mexican national soccer team will kick off its 2026 football activities with friendly matches against Panama and Bolivia. Under the guidance of coach Javier Aguirre, the team sees these games as a significant opportunity to scout new talent and refine tactical strategies ahead of the World Cup, which is set to begin on June 11.
Since these matches are not scheduled during a FIFA window, Mexico will compete exclusively with players from Liga MX. The first match is slated for Thursday, January 22, where Mexico will visit Panama at the Rommel Fernández Stadium at 8 p.m. Central Time.
This encounter will serve as a crucial test for the team, allowing them to assess their adaptability in a challenging environment, especially against a Panamanian squad that has seen notable improvement in recent years.
Three days later, on Sunday, January 25 at 1 p.m., Mexico will face Bolivia at the Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera Stadium. Despite being less recognized, Bolivia’s style of play can present complex challenges for opponents.
The varied characteristics of the two opponents will provide a comprehensive gauge of the team’s current condition, both collectively and individually, as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
These friendly matches not only allow Mexico to evaluate their squad but also contribute to building momentum and cohesion as they head into one of the biggest tournaments in football.