The Mexican National Team will face Iceland in a friendly on February 25 in Querétaro, despite the wave of violence following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho', in a military operation. The Mexican Football Federation confirmed the team is already at the venue and will conduct trainings, using local league players as it is not a FIFA date. This match is part of Javier Aguirre's preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
The match between Mexico and Iceland is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro. The Mexican Football Federation informed EFE that the National Team has arrived in the city and will carry out trainings this Monday ahead of the game. The Icelandic team is also at the venue. Since it is not a FIFA date, Javier Aguirre called up Liga MX players, allowing him to evaluate potential candidates for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The friendly's confirmation comes amid a surge of violence in the country, triggered by the death of 'El Mencho', leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation. As a result, the Liga MX Femenil suspended the National Classic between Guadalajara and América this Sunday, and in the 2026 Clausura men's tournament, the Querétaro vs. Juárez FC match that was to close the seventh round was not played.
The violence has raised international concerns about Mexico's security as a 2026 World Cup host, especially in Guadalajara, which will host four matches and is currently the center of reprisals. A source from the World Cup Organizing Committee stated there is no official pronouncement and that Mexico continues working in coordination with FIFA.
This friendly is part of the Mexican National Team's preparation. The next one will be against Portugal on March 28 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Mexico will debut in the World Cup on June 11, 2026, against South Africa at Estadio Ciudad de México, followed by South Korea on June 18 in Guadalajara and the UEFA D playoff winner on June 24 in Mexico City.
