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Mexico vs Belgium LIVE Updates: Lukebakio scores the equalizer in the 2026 International Friendly (1-1)

Mexico's Erik Lira and Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne.
© Manuel Velasquez/Omar Havana/Getty ImagesMexico's Erik Lira and Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne.

Mexico and Belgium are tied 1-1 in an international friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. It marks the second match for both teams during the March FIFA international break, following their respective fixtures last Saturday.

[Watch Mexico vs Belgium online in the US on Fubo]

In the reopening of Estadio Azteca—set to host several matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the opener between Mexico and South Africa—Javier Aguirre’s side played to a 0-0 draw against Portugal. It was a positive test for the hosts, who held their own against one of Europe’s top national teams despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Belgium, meanwhile, delivered an outstanding performance. They defeated USMNT 5-2 in Atlanta, rallying after going behind and turning the match around in the second half with an impressive team display.

For both national teams, Tuesday’s match represents a key test as it is their final friendly before the deadline for coaches to name their 26-man squads for this summer’s World Cup. As a result, the performances in Chicago could prove decisive in tipping the balance in favor of certain players.

90’ – Added time (1-1)

Four more minutes will be played.

85’ – Another substitution for Mexico (1-1)

Brian Gutierrez comes off for Erick Sanchez.

80’ – Almost an own goal by Reyes (1-1)

The Mexico defender made a mistake that nearly proved costly.

75’ – Another yellow for Belgium (1-1)

Arthur Theate is booked.

73’ – More changes for Belgium (1-1)

Zeno Debast, Lucas Stassin, and Arthur Theate replaced Kevin De Bruyne, Koni De Winter, and Nathan Ngoy.

69’ – Substitutions for Mexico (1-1)

Alexis Vega, Obed Vargas, Roberto Alvarado, Armando Gonzalez, and Israel Reyes come on for Raul Jimenez, Orbelin Pineda, Julian Quinones, Alvaro Fidalgo, and Jorge Sanchez.

64’ – Another yellow for Mexico (1-1)

Jorge Sanchez is booked.

62’ – Five substitutions for Belgium (1-1)

Jeremy Doku, Thomas Meunier, Charles De Ketelaere, Amadou Onana, and Nicolas Raskin come on, replacing Lois Openda, Mika Godts, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel, and Timothy Castagne.

56’ – Good build-up by Mexico (1-1)

Sanchez linked up with Pineda and delivered a cross that was cleared by the Belgian defense.

Lukebakio’s goal

The Belgium forward scored with this brilliant left-footed strike.

46’ – GOOOOOAAAAL FOR BELGIUM! (1-1)

Dodi Lukebakio fired from the edge of the box and scored a stunning goal to level the match.

Second half underway!

Mexico 1-0 Belgium

Halftime

Mexico are leading Belgium 1-0.

45’ – Added time (1-0)

Four more minutes will be played.

39’ – Yellow card for Belgium (1-0)

Castagne is booked.

35’ – Another chance for Quinones (1-0)

The forward got a shot off, but couldn’t beat goalkeeper Sels.

31’ – Mexico dominate the match (1-0)

Aguirre’s side are controlling possession and creating the clearest chances in front of goal.

26’ – Shot from Quinones (1-0)

The Mexico forward fired from outside the box, and the ball went just wide.

 
 

Jorge Sanchez’s goal

With this finish from the defender, Mexico are leading Belgium.

18’ – GOOOOOAAAAL FOR MEXICO! (1-0)

Jorge Sanchez pounced on a rebound inside the box and scored the opener.

 
 

15’ – Jimenez can’t control it! (0-0)

A great pass from Quinones found the Mexico striker, but he couldn’t bring the ball under control inside the box.

11’ – First yellow card (0-0)

Gallardo is booked for Mexico.

5’ – Now Gallardo tries his luck (0-0)

The Mexico left back got a shot off inside the box, but the ball went just wide.

1’ – First chance for Mexico! (0-0)

Quinones attacked down the left, and goalkeeper Sels controlled the ball on the line.

Kickoff!

Mexico and Belgium are now playing.

Mexico and Belgium preparing for the World Cup

Mexico have secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by virtue of being one of the host nations. They are drawn into Group A alongside South Africa, South Korea, and a European play‑off winner. Belgium qualified comfortably through European qualifying and are part of Group G with Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.

Mexico vs Belgium history

These two national teams have faced each other seven times in history, with Mexico winning three, Belgium two, and two matches ending in draws. Three of those encounters took place at the World Cup: Mexico won 1-0 in 1970 and 2-1 in 1986 (both at home), and they played to a 2-2 draw at France 1998.

Mexico starting XI confirmed!

Javier Aguirre has selected the following XI: Raul Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jorge Sanchez; Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Orbelin Pineda; Julian Quinones, Raul Jimenez, Brian Gutierrez.

Stadium for tonight

Mexico and Belgium face off at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Originally opened in 1924, the stadium underwent a major renovation in 2003, reaching its current configuration with a capacity of 62,500 spectators.

It is typically home to the Chicago Bears of the NFL, as well as Chicago Fire in MLS. The venue has also hosted other major sporting events, including the 1994 FIFA World Cup and multiple editions of the Concacaf Gold Cup.

A general view inside Soldier Field.

Belgium starting XI confirmed!

Rudi Garcia has chosen this XI: Matz Sels; Timothy Castagne, Koni De Winter, Nathan Ngoy, Maxime De Cuyper; Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne; Dodi Lukébakio, Mika Godts, Lois Openda.

Kickoff time and how to watch

Mexico and Belgium will kick off at 9:00 PM ET.

You can watch the international friendly live on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Univision, TUDN, Fox Deportes, and ViX.

Mexico face Belgium

Welcome to our live blog for the friendly match between Mexico and Belgium. Stay with us for the most important information about both teams, and once the match kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates!

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