Last October, I highlighted warning signs for both Mexico’s El Tri and the Canadian men’s national team during their friendly matches. Now, the March FIFA window represents something bigger: arguably the final opportunity for all three host nations to prove they are ready for the 2026 World Cup—and reduce the risk of embarrassing early exits on home soil.
The United States and Mexico share common opponents this window, facing UEFA World Cup qualifiers Portugal and Belgium, while Canada takes on Iceland and fellow qualifier Tunisia in Toronto.
Memo Ochoa on the Cusp of a Sixth World Cup
Of the three host nations, Mexico’s El Tri—under Javier Aguirre—appears the most unsettled.
The team played three additional friendlies with Liga MX-based players over the past two months, going unbeaten against weakened Panama, Bolivia, and Iceland squads. A 4–0 win over Iceland was impressive, but it followed a troubling six-match winless run against stronger opposition, including a 4–0 defeat to Colombia and a 2–1 loss to Paraguay.
The issues are clear: inconsistent goal scoring, a brittle midfield and backline, and now an injury crisis in goal. Club América’s Ángel Malagón is out with a torn Achilles, ending his World Cup hopes.
That opens the door for 40-year-old Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, still active at club level in Cyprus and now on the verge of a sixth World Cup. With 151 caps, Ochoa remains Mexico’s most recognizable active player globally, though he may not start ahead of in-form Chivas keeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel. Santos Laguna’s Carlos Acevedo rounds out the group.
In defense, European-based players return, including Genoa’s Johan Vásquez, while Chivas’ Richard Ledezma keeps his place. Midfield experimentation continues, with Álvaro Fidalgo—now naturalized from Spain and playing for Real Betis—set to debut. Younger options like Obed Vargas (Atlético Madrid), Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas), and Denzell García (FC Juárez) will look to challenge more established but often-criticized names such as Orbelín Pineda and Charly Rodríguez.
Up front, 34-year-old Raúl Jiménez remains the on-field leader. “Hormiga” González is emerging as one of Liga MX’s brightest attacking talents, while Germán Berterame earns a call-up despite struggling for form at Inter Miami. Mexico needs goals, and Jiménez sits just two behind Jared Borgetti and eight behind Javier “Chicharito” Hernández on the all-time scoring list.
A newly remodeled Estadio Azteca hosts Portugal on March 28. Cristiano Ronaldo was expected but not called up, and El Tri will then travel to Chicago to face Belgium.
Team USA Tests Itself in Atlanta
The U.S. Men’s National Team will debut its new World Cup home jersey in Atlanta, hosting Belgium and Portugal in two high-level tests. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has deliberately scheduled strong opposition ahead of a June group-stage opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
This is a U.S. side unbeaten in five matches, but still evaluating depth. Two uncapped goalkeepers joined the squad, including Chicago Fire’s 22-year-old Chris Brady. Auston Trusty (Celtic) and Alex Freeman (Villarreal) reinforce the backline.
In midfield, Gio Reyna returns, while the forward group remains largely settled, led by Monaco’s Folarin Balogun.
A Look at Belgium and Portugal
Belgium arrive in strong form, unbeaten since March and qualified for the World Cup. A new generation is emerging, with Lille’s Nathan Ngoy, Anderlecht’s Nathan De Cat, and young attackers Lucas Stassin and Mika Godts earning call-ups. Veteran presence from past World Cups remain, including Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and Thomas Meunier.
This is a team in transition generationally—talented, but no longer among the elite contenders.
Portugal, meanwhile, have shown inconsistency, with recent losses to Ireland and Denmark. They remain dominant against weaker opposition but must raise their level against top teams to be a true contender for silverware.
Bruno Fernandes anchors the midfield, while Mateus Fernandes and 18-year-old Porto standout Rodrigo Mora represent the next wave. Mora, in particular, has the talent to become a breakout star if given the opportunity. He has shone in both Europe and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence will disappoint fans, but this remains a deep and dangerous squad. Playing at altitude in Mexico City presents one challenge, while the indoor setting in Atlanta should favor Portugal and Belgium. The Chicago clash may be more evenly balanced.
Canada Adds Youth, Faces Tricky Tests in Toronto
Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad faces Iceland and Tunisia, two very different tests.
Marcelo Flores (Tigres UANL) joins after switching allegiance, while veteran Junior Hoilett returns to add experience. Canada’s attack features several young forwards under 25, including Tani Oluwaseyi, Jalen Russell-Rowe, Daniel Jebbison, and Aribim Pepple, though their roles in these matches remain uncertain.
Iceland, led by 36-year-old Aron Gunnarsson and a veteran core, represent a modest challenge. Real Sociedad’s Orri Óskarsson has emerged as their primary goal-scoring threat.
Tunisia, however, will be a sterner test. They qualified comfortably for the World Cup but exited AFCON in the Round of 16. A defensively disciplined side, Tunisia does not concede easily but can struggle to score. Young talent is emerging, including PSG’s Khalil Ayari and 17-year-old Anisse Saidi.
Canada would do well to avoid defeat in both matches, though they will be expected to handle Iceland. This March window is not just preparation—it’s a warning shot.
With the World Cup fast approaching, the margin for error is shrinking. For the USA, Mexico, and Canada, these matches are less about experimentation and more about proving they won’t fall short when the spotlight is brightest.
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
