Mexico confirm two friendly matches for September FIFA window as El Tri will face Japan and South Korea

Mexico announced on Tuesday two international friendlies as part of their ongoing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under the guidance of head coach Javier "El Vasco" Aguirre, El Tri will take on two Asian powerhouses—Japan and South Korea—during the September FIFA window.

The first match is set for Saturday, Sept. 6, against Japan at the Alameda County Stadium in Oakland, California. Three days later, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, Mexico will face South Korea at a venue yet to be confirmed.

“These matches are part of the technical staff’s long-term strategy to prepare the team for the most important tournament in world football, which will be co-hosted by Mexico in 2026,” read an official statement from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).

The September fixtures also offer Aguirre a chance to continue evaluating his squad and refining Mexico’s style of play against high-caliber international opponents. Aguirre, who previously managed the Japanese national team between 2014 and 2015, is well acquainted with the strengths of the Samurai Blue.

Japan have become a footballing force in recent decades, thanks to the steady growth of its domestic league and investment in youth development. Oakland and the greater Bay Area have hosted several memorable Mexico matches over the years. The last time El Tri played at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum was in 2011, when they defeated Paraguay 3–1.

Mexico and Japan have met five times at the senior level, with El Tri winning all five encounters, scoring nine goals and conceding just three. The rivalry extends to the Olympic stage as well. At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Japan defeated Mexico in the bronze medal match. However, El Tri returned the favor at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a 3–1 win to secure the bronze medal.

Against South Korea, Mexico holds a slight edge in their head-to-head record. The two nations have clashed 13 times across various competitions, including World Cups, friendlies, the Gold Cup, and the now-defunct Confederations Cup. Mexico lead the series with seven wins, one draw, and five victories over South Korea.

In addition to the September friendlies, Mexico has two matches scheduled ahead of the Gold Cup. On Saturday, June 7, they will face Switzerland in Salt Lake City, followed by a match against Turkey on Tuesday, June 10, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Mexico will begin its Gold Cup title defense on June 14 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, facing the Dominican Republic. They’ll then take on Suriname on June 18 at AT&T Stadium and close out the group stage on June 22 against Costa Rica at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.