Mexico and Belgium face off in an international friendly as both nations step up their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Soldier Field in Chicago.The game offers Javier Aguirre’s Mexico and Rudi Garcia’s Belgium a valuable chance to test tactical plans and blood new players against each other.It’s been 40 years since the Mexicans last beat the Red Devils, although they have never lost to the European nation in a competitive fixture.Mexico vs Belgium – Match preview and team newsDate: Wednesday, 1st AprilKick-off: 2am BSTVenue: Soldier Field, ChicagoLast meeting: Belgium 3-3 Mexico, international friendly, 10th November 2017Mexico team newsGoalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after rupturing his Achilles tendon.Edson Alvarez, Mexico’s captain and midfield leader, remains sidelined following ankle surgery in February, with his expected return date pushed back to mid-April 2026.Further up the field, Gilberto Mora is out with a groin injury. Marcel Ruiz has torn his ACL and will not only sit out this match but also miss the World Cup entirely.Aguirre has stressed that he still views the March window as a chance for players to stake their claim, but sweeping changes to the XI that started against Portugal appear unlikely.Raúl Rangel, Jesús Gallardo, Johán Vásquez, César Montes, Erik Lira, Roberto Alvarado and Álvaro Fidalgo are all strong candidates to retain their spots, with Fidalgo in particular looking to build chemistry with his fellow El Tri midfielders amid growing indications he is on track to start at the World Cup.Jorge Sánchez and Orbelín Pineda did not feature against Portugal, yet the Greek-based duo could come into the side on Tuesday.Julián Quiñones impressed off the bench and may be rewarded with a start on the left wing, while Liga MX sensation Armando González is tipped to lead the line in place of Raúl Jiménez as he looks to atone for the gilt-edged chance he squandered in the draw with Portugal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Belgium team newsPlenty of rotation is expected from Belgium, with stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere likely rested from the starting XI and held back as second-half options.Youri Tielemans is back to full fitness and could come into the side alongside Aston Villa teammate Amadou Onana, operating as the more advanced midfielder with veteran Axel Witsel anchoring the pivot behind them.The centre-back pairing of Koni De Winter and Arthur Theate may also be handed starts, while Timothy Castagne is in line to replace Thomas Meunier at right-back.Dodi Lukébakio, fresh from his brace on Saturday, is expected to start on the right flank, with highly rated Ajax winger Mika Godts featuring on the opposite side. Lois Openda, who has endured a difficult loan spell at Juventus, could lead the attack as he searches for a much-needed confidence boost.In goal, Matz Sels is tipped to come in for Senne Lammens, with García continuing his assessment of who should serve as Thibaut Courtois’ deputy at the World Cup. Arsenal playmaker Leandro Trossard has, meanwhile, withdrawn from the Belgium camp. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});FormMexicoA goalless draw against Portugal in their last match looks encouraging on paper, but Mexico’s attacking flaws were laid bare on Saturday night. With another strong opponent in Belgium up next, it is hard to see El Tri suddenly discovering the answers needed to ignite their misfiring forward line.BelgiumBelgium arrive in good spirits after a high-scoring 5-2 victory over the United States in their first match of this international window. Young talents like Debast, Onana, De Ketelaere and Lukebakio shone in that game, underlining Garcia’s commitment to blending emerging players with the remaining members of the golden generation as he reshapes the squad. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Predicted lineupsMexico: Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Fidalgo, Lira, Pineda; Alvarado, Gonzalez, Quinones.Belgium: Sels; Castagne, De Winter, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Witsel; Lukébakio, Tielemans, Godts; Openda.How to watch Mexico vs Belgium?The match will not be televised in the UK.Read – Chelsea midfielder Fernandez fuels Real Madrid transfer talkSee Also – The five favourites to sign Sandro Tonali from NewcastleFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokThe post Mexico vs Belgium – Match preview and team news first appeared on The Football Faithful.