7M - International Friendly Preview: Mexico vs Belgium - prediction, team news, lineups

World Cup 2026 co-hosts Mexico face a significant challenge on Wednesday as they welcome Belgium to Chicago's Soldier Field for an international friendly clash. El Tri aim to extend their promising start to the year, while the Red Devils seek to maintain their impressive unbeaten run ahead of the global tournament.

Javier Aguirre's Mexico secured automatic qualification as tournament hosts and have rebounded strongly after a difficult end to 2025. Following their Gold Cup triumph over the United States with a 2-1 victory last summer, El Tri endured a six-match winless stretch, including heavy defeats to Colombia (4-0 on October 12) and Paraguay (2-1 on November 19). However, the new year has brought renewed momentum: three wins and one draw across four fixtures in 2026, most recently a goalless draw against Bruno Fernandes's Portugal on Sunday. Notably, Mexico's defense has recorded four consecutive clean sheets this year, providing a solid foundation for Aguirre's tactical setup.

Despite this defensive progress, Belgium represents the most formidable opponent Mexico has faced since their 3-2 loss to Brazil in June 2024. With El Tri managing to score more than one goal only once across their last seven matches, maintaining defensive discipline will be crucial for a positive result.

Rudi Garcia's Belgium arrive in excellent form, having remained unbeaten for over 12 months. The Red Devils qualified for the World Cup without a single defeat, topping European qualifying group J with five victories and three draws. Their 2026 campaign began emphatically with a 5-2 comeback win over the United States on Saturday, following a 7-0 demolition of Liechtenstein on November 18. After Weston McKennie gave the USA an early lead, Zeno Debast equalized before halftime, and second-half strikes from Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere, and a Dodi Lukebakio double completed the turnaround. This momentum positions Belgium favorably as they aim to improve upon their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Defensively, Mexico's recent clean-sheet sequence demonstrates organizational improvement, though their attacking output remains a concern. Belgium, meanwhile, have showcased balanced strength: a potent attack capable of multiple-goal performances combined with a resilient defensive structure. The Red Devils' ability to overcome deficits, as seen against the USA, highlights their mental fortitude and tactical flexibility under Garcia.

Team news presents challenges for both sides. Mexico will be without captain Edson Alvarez, who sustained a knee injury in February but is expected to recover in time for the World Cup. Erik Lira is likely to partner Roberto Alvarado and Obed Vargas in midfield, while Raul Jimenez leads the attack, potentially supported by Real Betis's Alvaro Fidalgo and Chivas's Brian Gutierrez.

Belgium welcome back most of their squad, though Leandro Trossard is among several Arsenal players who have withdrawn from international duty this month. Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Alexis Saelemaekers are expected to operate behind Charles De Ketelaere in attack. At the back, Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens should be shielded by a central defensive pairing of Sporting Lisbon's Zeno Debast and Club Brugge's Brandon Mechele. In midfield, Aston Villa's Amadou Onana and Rangers' Nicolas Raskin will provide stability to support Belgium's forward line.

Mexico possible starting lineup:
Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Alvarado, Lira, Vargas; Fidalgo, Jimenez, Gutierrez

Belgium possible starting lineup:
Lammens; Meunier, Debast, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Onana; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere

Historical context adds intrigue: while Mexico have shown defensive resilience in 2026, Belgium's attacking depth and recent scoring form could prove decisive. Both teams view this fixture as vital preparation for the World Cup, with tactical experimentation likely alongside competitive intensity.

Considering Mexico's solid defensive record this year against Belgium's potent attack and unbeaten momentum, a closely contested match is anticipated. The Red Devils' ability to score multiple goals in recent outings may ultimately tip the balance.

Predicted score: Mexico 1-2 Belgium