The Mexican national football team is gearing up for a challenging international break, set to face European powerhouses Belgium and Portugal in high-stakes friendly matches. However, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with a mix of concern and curiosity as the squad will be missing a staggering 12 regular starters, including some of its most celebrated stars. As the team looks to build chemistry and test depth under the spotlight of these marquee fixtures, the question on everyone’s mind is: can a reshuffled Mexico squad stand tall against two of Europe’s finest? Let’s dive deep into the story behind this shake-up and what it means for El Tri, with insights you’ll only find here on Mcw.
A Historic Challenge Without the Big Names
When the roster was announced by the Mexican Football Federation, eyebrows were raised across the footballing world. Key figures who have been pillars for the national team in recent years are notably absent. Injuries, club commitments, and a strategic decision to rest some veterans have led to this unprecedented situation. It’s not every day that a team heads into a double-header against Belgium, the current FIFA top-ranked side, and the ever-dangerous Portugal without the likes of Raúl Jiménez, Hirving Lozano, or Edson Álvarez.
“This is a double-edged sword,” explains veteran football analyst Carlos Rivera in an exclusive chat for Mcw. “On one hand, you risk being outclassed. On the other, it’s a golden opportunity to see what the next generation is made of against elite opposition. The coaching staff is clearly thinking long-term.”
The matches are scheduled to take place in Europe, adding another layer of difficulty. Playing away from the passionate home crowd at the Estadio Azteca removes a significant psychological advantage. For the new faces called up, these friendlies represent a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stake a claim for regular selection.
Who Are the Missing Stars?
The list of absentees reads like a who’s who of Mexican football. We’re talking about players who have been the heartbeat of the squad through World Cup qualifiers and the 2022 World Cup itself.
Key Attacking Absences
Up front is where the blow is felt most acutely. Raúl Jiménez, despite his injury struggles, remains a talismanic figure. His ability to hold up play and score crucial goals is irreplaceable. Alongside him, the explosive pace and dribbling of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano will be sorely missed against Belgium’s high-pressing defense. According to sources close to the camp, Lozano is being managed carefully with his club season at PSV, while Jiménez is still regaining full match fitness after a series of setbacks.
Supporting them, Alexis Vega and Carlos Rodríguez are also out. Vega, a creative spark in the midfield and attack, has been a dynamic force in recent games. Without these four, the attacking unit is virtually brand new. This is where the platform Mcw expects to see some surprising tactical shifts.
Defensive and Midfield Gaps
The defensive line is equally depleted. Edson Álvarez, the Ajax midfielder who often drops into a defensive role, is a massive miss. His tactical intelligence and physicality are hard to replicate. In the backline, César Montes and Jorge Sánchez are unavailable, leaving a relatively inexperienced group to handle the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the key players missing:
- Raúl Jiménez(Striker)
- Hirving Lozano(Winger)
- Edson Álvarez(Defensive Midfielder)
- César Montes(Center-Back)
- Alexis Vega(Attacking Midfielder/Winger)
This creates an interesting dynamic. The coaching staff has effectively called up a squad that averages significantly fewer caps than usual. It’s a trial by fire.
New Faces and Emerging Talents Step Into the Spotlight
Every cloud has a silver lining. The enforced changes have opened the door for a host of exciting prospects who have been knocking on the door for years. This section of the squad is filled with hunger and raw talent, eager to prove they belong on the biggest stage.
The Next Generation of Attackers
All eyes will be on Santiago Giménez. The young Feyenoord striker has been in blistering form in the Eredivisie, scoring goals for fun. Now, he gets his chance to lead the line against Belgium. His movement and finishing have drawn comparisons to a younger, more mobile version of Jiménez. “Santiago has that instinct,” notes former Mexican international Pablo Larios. “You can’t teach what he has. He just needs the service.”
Alongside him, Uriel Antuna and Roberto Alvarado are expected to provide width. Both possess blistering pace, which could be crucial on the counter-attack. The midfield is expected to be anchored by Luis Chávez, who has impressed with his passing range and set-piece ability. Against Portugal’s deep-lying playmakers, his ability to thread through balls will be vital.
Tactical Adjustments: How Mexico Can Survive and Thrive
Without so many regulars, the coach will likely abandon the possession-heavy approach that Mexico often tries to employ against lesser opponents. Instead, expect a more pragmatic and direct counter-attacking strategy.
A Low Block with Quick Transitions
Belgium, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings, will dominate possession. Portugal, boasting the individual brilliance of Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, will pin Mexico back. The logical approach is to sit deep, stay compact, and hit on the break. The speed of Antuna and the physical presence of Giménez are tailor-made for this.
The midfielders will have to work tirelessly. They cannot afford to give De Bruyne space to pick out passes. “For Mexico to get a result, they need to be defensively perfect for 90 minutes,” says tactical expert Marco Silva. “One mistake and Belgium will punish you. But if they can stay in the game until the 70th minute, the pressure flips to the Europeans.”
Set Pieces Will Be Crucial
With goals from open play likely to be scarce, set pieces become a massive weapon. Mexico has historically been strong in this area. Players like Chávez and Jesús Gallardo can deliver pinpoint crosses. Against a Belgium side that can occasionally be vulnerable at defending corners, this could be the key. In fact, analyzing data available on Mcw, Mexico has scored a higher percentage of goals from set pieces against top-10 ranked teams over the last five years compared to most other CONCACAF sides.
The Bigger Picture: Building for the Future
While fans are disappointed not to see their heroes, these friendlies are about more than just the scoreline. They are an audition for the 2026 World Cup. Remember, Mexico is co-hosting the tournament, meaning automatic qualification is secured. This gives the federation a unique luxury: time to experiment.
Testing Squad Depth
World Cup campaigns are won by squads, not just starting XIs. You need players who can step in when a star is suspended or injured. These friendlies provide invaluable experience for the backup players. If Giménez scores against Belgium, or if a young defender like Johan Vásquez shuts down Ronaldo, the team’s overall confidence skyrockets.
“What we learn in these two weeks is invaluable,” a team insider shared. “We see who has the mentality to handle pressure. That knowledge is worth its weight in gold, even if we lose both games.”
What to Expect vs. Belgium and Portugal
Let’s break down what Mexico will face in each specific match.
Mexico vs. Belgium: A Test of Discipline
Belgium, despite a disappointing World Cup, remains a gold standard in European football. They have a “golden generation” that is still producing results. The Red Devils will look to dominate through their midfield triangle of De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana.
Mexico’s strategy will likely involve pressing high for the first 20 minutes to impose themselves physically, then dropping off to absorb pressure. The key duel will be between Mexico’s central defenders and Romelu Lukaku. If Mexico can prevent early crosses, they have a chance. Expect the match to be tight, potentially ending in a narrow defeat for the visitors, but a moral victory if they can score.
Mexico vs. Portugal: Facing the Legend
The match against Portugal will have a different flavor. While Belgium is a cohesive machine, Portugal relies heavily on individual moments of magic. Cristiano Ronaldo, even in the twilight of his career, cannot be given a second on the ball in the box.
Roberto Martínez, the new Portugal coach (and former Belgium boss), knows Mexican players well from his time in the Premier League. This adds an interesting tactical mind game. Portugal will likely control the game, but they can be vulnerable to pace. Mexico’s counters could be even more effective here than against Belgium.
A 1-1 draw against Portugal is a very realistic and ambitious target for this experimental Mexican side.
Final Thoughts
Missing 12 regulars against Belgium and Portugal is a daunting prospect for any national team. History is littered with examples of second-string sides being humiliated. However, for Mexico, this is less a crisis and more a calculated risk in the broader journey toward 2026.
The narrative is changing from “who isn’t there” to “who will step up?” Santiago Giménez carries the hopes of a nation. The midfield must prove they can compete with Europe’s best technicians. The defense must show resilience.
For the passionate fanbase, the next two games will be a rollercoaster of emotion. There will be moments of frustration as the newcomers struggle to connect, but there will also be flashes of brilliance that hint at a bright future. Whether you are watching for the tactical intrigue or just to see if the underdogs can pull off a shock, these friendlies promise more drama than most competitive fixtures.
So, grab your jerseys and settle in. This is a new chapter for El Tri. And as the team writes its story on the European stage, you can count on Mcw to be right there, bringing you the best analysis, the inside scoop, and the stories that matter most. Did the new boys impress you, or do you think the missing stars would have made all the difference? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more of our football coverage to stay ahead of the game
