Mexico in talks to face Brazil instead of Argentina before the 2026 World Cup
The Brazilian national team could replace Argentina as Mexico's pre-World Cup opponent days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Given Argentina's recent refusal to face Mexico in Las Vegas, as announced by Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia last September, now the Mexican authorities are looking to Brazil as a replacement.
The announcement of facing Mexico came from Argentine authorities themselves, such as "Chiqui" Tapia, last September, with only the venue remaining to be determined at that time. However, after several attempts to finalize the match with the current world champions, it seems the team led by Lionel Messi has other plans.
According to information from TUDN reporter Gibran Araige, the match against the Brazilian team, which finished fifth in the South American World Cup qualifiers, would be at the famous Rose Bowl, where the Mexican national team has faced Mexico countless times.
Mexico is in addition to the confirmed matches against Bolivia this Sunday in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Iceland on February 25 in Queretaro, Portugal on March 28, and Belgium on March 31.
The first match would be at the reopening of Estadio Azteca, and the second in Chicago, with the Mexican team being slated to face the squad managed by Carlo Ancelotti. The match against Argentina was planned for three weeks before Mexico's World Cup debut, as the final preparation before facing South Africa on June 11 at Estadio Azteca. This match will mark the beginning of El Tri's journey in their quest for a historic performance under the guidance of Javier "Vasco" Aguirre. Mexico has not faced Brazil since June 2014, prior to the Copa America held in the United States, when Brazil defeated Mexico 3-2. Julian Quinones and Guillermo Martinez scored for Mexico, while Andres Pereira, Gabriel Martinelli, and Endrick scored for Brazil. In total, the Mexican National Team has faced Brazil 42 times, including friendlies, Gold Cup matches, and Copa America games.Confederations Cup, World Cups, and Olympic Games. The record favors the South Americans with 25 wins, compared to only 10 for the Mexican national team, so there is a desire to improve their record against the Brazilians. As for Argentina, they have faced each other 32 times in official and friendly matches, with 16 wins for the South Americans, 12 draws, and only four wins for the Mexican team. There is a great sense of affront on the Mexican side due to the dominance the Argentinians maintain in World Cup tournaments.