Two January “B-side” friendlies allowed Mexico to finally snap a winless streak that stretched back to the triumph in the Gold Cup final in July. El Tri beat Panama and Bolivia by identical 1–0 scorelines — but beyond the bare minimum of results, it’s fair to ask what Mexico actually gained from either match.
Two Matches, Two Goals
Facing a Panama side in Panama largely composed of players from CONCACAF and CONMEBOL domestic leagues, Mexico controlled possession but struggled to translate it into danger. The breakthrough eventually came via an extra-time own goal, sealing a 1–0 win that felt more procedural than convincing. Panama offered little going forward, yet Mexico still looked uneasy and uninspired in attack.
This Mexico lineup featured new Inter Miami striker Germán Berterame, a naturalized Argentine, (ex-Monterrey), Chivas standout Brian Gutiérrez, and Roberto Alvarado as the front three. Six substitutions followed, with players like Kevin Castañeda (Tijuana) and Alexis Gutiérrez (Club América) featuring for roughly the final third. The personnel changed, but the rhythm — or lack of it — remained the same.
Manager Javier Aguirre entered the second match against Bolivia with expectations of improvement. Instead, Mexico delivered another 1–0 win in which Berterame scored the lone goal. Offensively, El Tri regressed. Bolivia’s “b side” outshot Mexico 13–3, a troubling statistic even for a friendly played at altitude.
Bolivia, winless in six matches since an October victory over Jordan, fielded a primarily CONMEBOL-based domestic squad. Mexico rotated its attack again, starting Castañeda, Hormiga González (Chivas), and Diego Lainez (Tigres), while Marcel Ruiz and three other Toluca players featured from the opening whistle. The rotation produced fresh legs, but not fresh ideas.
Winning matters — but Mexico’s on-field performances remain underwhelming heading toward a home World Cup where patience will be thin and expectations heavy.
The Benefits of Playing Away
Playing in front of Central and South American crowds offered value for players accustomed to Liga MX stadiums or U.S. venues dominated by Mexican supporters. While hardly hostile environments, the settings at least disrupted Mexico’s usual comfort level and provided a mild stress test.
Defensively, El Tri continues to look organized under Aguirre. Offensively, however, confidence and cohesion are missing. Mexico’s buildup is slow, predictable, and often reliant on individual moments rather than structured movement — a reflection of an approach that prioritizes control over creativity.
A Liga MX Depth Check For El Tri
With fewer European-based players than in previous cycles, Mexico’s depth is now firmly rooted in Liga MX. Clubs like Chivas, América, Toluca, and Cruz Azul carry much of the responsibility for supplying World Cup-caliber contributors. Chivas’ recent efforts to integrate Mexican-American players, including Gutiérrez, reflect that reality.
Richard Ledezma (Chivas), once a U.S. MNT consideration, has also switched his FIFA nationality to Mexico and could reach the World Cup squad. These friendlies functioned less as tactical rehearsals and more as a depth audit.
In practice, this version of El Tri resembled a “Liga MX all-stars” side — or “Chivas and friends.” Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders) was the lone non-Liga MX player called up, while Chivas featured representation across every line, including goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel, who performed well in these games and could clearly be the World Cup starter in June.
European Opposition Awaits
Mexico’s margin for error narrows significantly in the coming months. El Tri will face three straight UEFA opponents in upcoming friendlies, hosting Iceland in Querétaro on February 25 before marquee March fixtures against Portugal and Belgium.
The remodeled Estadio Azteca will host Portugal, while Mexico will enjoy a partisan crowd against Belgium in Chicago. Those matches, part of a FIFA international window, will include a broader and stronger squad — and far fewer excuses.
If January’s friendlies were meant to inspire confidence, they largely failed. The real evaluation begins now, against opponents who won’t settle for sitting back — and won’t need an own goal to make Mexico uncomfortable.
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Copyright: xIMAGENSHOPxAGENCIAxFOTOGRAFICAx
