Mexico pip Belgium 1-0 for World Cup warm-up win for Chicago

Wetin dey happen for Chicago? Soldier Field don turn to one serious battleground as Mexico and Belgium clash for international friendly match. The game wey kick off around 9pm ET on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, na real test for both teams wey dey prepare for World Cup. Mexico, wey dey host part of the 2026 tournament, come show say dem get strong heart for dis one.

From the beginning, El Tri dey control the game. Dem dey press Belgium well well. Inside 18 minutes, Jorge Sanchez don score the only goal of the match. Wetin happen na say Sanchez follow one rebound inside the box and just slot am home. Belgium goalkeeper Matz Sels no fit do anything. The stadium just erupt with Mexican fans wey full the place.

After the goal, Mexico no comot foot from gas. Julian Quinones, the forward, dey cause plenty trouble for Belgium defense. Around 26 minutes, Quinones fire one shot from outside the box wey just miss by small. Then by 35 minutes, another chance come but Sels save am. Belgium, on their own part, no really create clear chances. Dem dey struggle to break Mexico midfield wey Erik Lira and Alvaro Fidalgo dey control.

First half end with Mexico leading 1-0. Yellow cards don show face already—Jesus Gallardo for Mexico get one by 11 minutes, and Timothy Castagne for Belgium collect his own by 39 minutes. The game dey physical but Mexico dey on top.

Second half come, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia try change things. But Mexico defense, led by Cesar Montes and Johan Vasquez, no gree. Dem block everything wey Belgium try. Raul Rangel for goal post for Mexico no see serious work because the defenders dey do their job well.

Belgium, wey just hammer USMNT 5-2 for Atlanta on Saturday, no fit repeat that performance. Kevin De Bruyne and Dodi Lukebakio no find space. Mexico midfield just cut their supply. The game end 1-0 for Mexico. Soldier Field, wey get capacity of 62,500, witness one solid victory for El Tri.

Dis match na important one because na the last friendly before World Cup squad selection. Coaches dey watch players well. For Mexico, Javier Aguirre go happy with the performance. Dem draw 0-0 with Portugal for Estadio Azteca on Saturday, now win against Belgium. Na good sign.

For Belgium, Rudi Garcia go need to check wetin go wrong. Dem qualify for World Cup from Europe and dey in Group G with Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. But if dem play like dis for June, e go hard. Mexico, as host, dey in Group A with South Africa, South Korea, and one European play-off winner.

Historically, Mexico and Belgium don play seven times. Mexico win three, Belgium win two, and two draws. Three of those matches na for World Cup: Mexico win 1-0 for 1970 and 2-1 for 1986 (both at home), and dem draw 2-2 for France 1998. So dis win add to that record.

How people watch the match? For US, dem watch on FOX One, FOX Sports App, TUDN USA, Univision, and ViX. For Mexico, na Canal 5, Azteca 7, TUDN, ViX, and Azteca Deportes. Soldier Field, wey originally open for 1924 and renovate for 2003, don host plenty big events including 1994 FIFA World Cup. E dey home to Chicago Bears for NFL and Chicago Fire for MLS.

Now, both teams go return to their clubs. Mexico go play three more friendlies against Ghana, Australia, and Serbia for late May and early June. Belgium go play Croatia and Tunisia for early June. World Cup go start soon—Mexico first match na against South Africa on June 11, Belgium start against Egypt on June 15.

For Chicago, the match no just about football. Before the game, AT&T give laptops to local teens wey play for Street Soccer USA. Retired Mexican star Miguel Layun even meet with them. The teens watch the match at Soldier Field. Na good gesture for community.

Overall, Mexico show say dem ready for World Cup. Belgium get work to do. The match dey competitive, no red cards, just two yellows. Fans enjoy themselves. Now, eyes dey on June.