Mexico vs Belgium meet in Chicago on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in one of the biggest men’s friendlies of the March window.
Mexico arrive after a 0-0 draw with Portugal in the reopened Azteca, while Belgium come in after a convincing 5-2 win over the United States, so this is a genuine World Cup-level test for both sides.
This high-stakes friendly at Soldier Field (9:00 p.m. ET) serves as a final litmus test for both nations before the 2026 FIFA World Cup rosters are finalized.
Mexico vs Belgium – Match Details, Date, Time, Predictions, Lineups & More
- Match: Mexico vs Belgium.
- Tournament: International Friendly.
- Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
- Time: 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM local time in Chicago.
- Stadium: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois.
- International Friendlies form:
- Mexico: D L W W W D
- Belgium: W W D W D W
Team News and Analysis
Mexico
Mexico head into this friendly with a squad that blends experience and fresh faces. Javier Aguirre’s March roster includes Guillermo Ochoa, Álvaro Fidalgo, Raúl Jiménez, Raúl Rangel, Carlos Acevedo, Johan Vásquez, César Montes, Jesús Gallardo, Orbelín Pineda, Érick Sánchez, Carlos Rodríguez, Obed Vargas, Hirving Lozano, Alexis Vega, Germán Berterame, Julián Quiñones, and Roberto Alvarado.
Reuters also notes that Ochoa returned to the national team, while Fidalgo received his first call-up.
Mexico’s recent form is encouraging enough to keep belief high. They just held Portugal to a 0-0 draw in the reopening of Azteca, a result built on a compact defensive display and some important saves from Raúl Rangel.
That suggests Mexico can stay organized against top-level opposition, even if they are still looking for a little more sharpness in the final third.
Belgium
Belgium arrive with real attacking confidence after the 5-2 win over the United States, where Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere, and Dodi Lukebakio all scored.
Their squad for the U.S. and Mexico tour also includes Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Loïs Openda, Charles De Ketelaere, Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, Timothy Castagne, Arthur Theate, and Matz Sels.
There are a few notable absentees, too. Reuters reported that Leandro Trossard and Hans Vanaken withdrew, while Romelu Lukaku also pulled out of the warm-ups to focus on fitness.
Even with those names missing, Belgium still have enough quality in midfield and attack to make this a very difficult game for Mexico.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Mexico and Belgium haven’t faced each other often, but their recent encounters have been close and competitive.
Head-to-head listing shows a 3-3 draw in 2017, a 2-2 draw at the 1998 World Cup, a Mexico win in the 1986 World Cup, and a Mexico win in the 1970 World Cup.
That history suggests this fixture tends to produce chances on both sides.
| Date | Competition Type | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 10, 2017 | International Friendly | Belgium 3-3 Mexico |
| Jun. 20, 1998 | FIFA World Cup | Belgium 2-2 Mexico |
| Jun. 3, 1986 | FIFA World Cup | Belgium 1-2 Mexico |
| Jun. 11, 1970 | FIFA World Cup | Mexico 1-0 Belgium |
Mexico vs Belgium Starting XI
- Mexico stating XI vs Belgium (4-3-3): Ochoa; Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Lira, Pineda, Fidalgo; Lozano, Jiménez, Vega.
- Mexico Key Absences – Edson Álvarez (Captain), Santiago Giménez, Marcel Ruiz, Additional Absentees
- Belgium stating XI vs Mexico (4-2-3-1): Sels; Castagne, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Doku, De Bruyne, De Ketelaere; Openda.
- Belgium Key Absences – Leandro Trossard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Hans Vanaken
Key Players to Watch
- México: Guillermo Ochoa, Raúl Jiménez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Hirving Lozano, Alexis Vega. Ochoa’s return is a major storyline, while Jiménez, Lozano, and Vega give Mexico the best chance of hurting Belgium in transition.
- Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Loïs Openda, Charles De Ketelaere, Amadou Onana. Belgium’s blend of control, pace, and final-third quality makes them dangerous from multiple angles.
Match Prediction
This should be a competitive and entertaining friendly, but Belgium look slightly stronger in terms of attacking depth and current momentum.
Mexico’s compact shape can keep it close, especially after the clean sheet against Portugal, yet Belgium’s ability to create chances from different areas gives them the edge.
- Prediction: Mexico 1-2 Belgium.
Where to Watch Mexico vs Belgium
For U.S. viewers, SI lists TUDN USA, Univision, FOX Deportes, FOX One, FOX Sports App, and ViX as viewing options.
| Region | TV Channels | Live Stream |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Univision, TUDN USA, FOX Deportes, FOX One | ViX, FOX Sports App, Fubo |
| Mexico | Canal 5, Azteca 7, TUDN | ViX, Azteca Deportes |
| Other | On Time Sports 1 (Egypt), Ditu (Colombia) | UEFA.tv (select territories) |
When is Mexico vs Belgium?
The international friendly between Mexico and Belgium is today, Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
What time does Mexico vs Belgium kick off?
9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM local time in Chicago.
Where is the match being played?
The match is being played at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
Where can I watch it in the U.S.?
TUDN USA, Univision, FOX Deportes, FOX One, FOX Sports App, and ViX.
Who is the favorite team?
Belgium are the slight favorite on paper because of their attacking depth and recent 5-2 win over the United States, but Mexico’s defensive structure makes this a close one. That is an inference based on the official squad news and recent results.
