The Mexican team took a positive step in its preparation for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Australia 1-0 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. In a match that served as a test for several players seeking to secure a place in the final squad, the team led by Javier Aguirre showed order, intensity and moments of good football.

The only goal of the match came thanks to Johan Vásquez, who took advantage of a set piece to make the difference in a duel where Mexico was superior for much of the match.

Johan Vásquez appeared at the key moment

The score that defined the match came in the 28th minute, when Johan Vásquez connected with a solid header after taking a corner kick.

The play reflected the dominance already exercised by the Mexican National Team, which had generated danger minutes before with another header, this time from Alexis Vega, forcing goalkeeper Mathew Ryan to intervene to prevent his goal from falling.

The goal rewarded the offensive proposal of the national team, which managed to impose conditions from the beginning and kept the Australian defense under pressure.

Mexico was superior in the first half

After opening the scoring, those led by Javier Aguirre continued to attack and were close to extending the lead.

At minute 32, another set-piece action ended with a shot by Guillermo Martínez, although the Australian goalkeeper reacted in time to keep his team alive.

The statistics reflected the Mexican dominance in the first 45 minutes. The national squad tripled Australia in total shots and controlled much of the possession, creating the most dangerous chances of the match.

Rangel responded when Australia reacted

For the second half, the so-called “Socceroos” advanced their lines and sought the tie with greater insistence.

The clearest opportunity for the Oceanians came after a point-blank shot that was greatly contained by Raúl Rangel, who responded with confidence to preserve the Mexican advantage.

Mexico also got close to the goal again in the 75th minute, but the action ended up invalidated due to offside.

Aguirre tested variants and observed key figures

Beyond the result, the friendly represented a valuable opportunity for Javier Aguirre to analyze the performance of several players who continue to fight for a place on the final roster for the 2026 World Cup.

The Mexican strategist modified the approach during the second half, going from a scheme focused on possession and circulation of the ball to a proposal with greater physical wear and width on the wings.

In addition, the coaching staff closely monitored the evolution of players who are going through the final stage of their physical recovery, among them Edson Álvarez, Luis Chávez, Alexis Vega and Santiago Giménez.

Serbia will be the last test before the World Cup debut

The victory over Australia represents an injection of confidence for the Mexican National Team, which will face its last preparation match on June 4 against Serbia.

That meeting will be the last opportunity for Javier Aguirre to define tactical details and finish evaluating the players who will make up the World Cup squad.

Mexico will begin its participation in the 2026 World Cup on June 10, when it plays the opening match of the tournament against South Africa as the host country.

With performances like that of Johan Vásquez and a player base that is beginning to consolidate, El Tri continues to refine its project with its sights set on an outstanding World Cup performance.