Mexico faces a significant challenge as it prepares for two World Cup warmup matches against Portugal and Belgium, missing 12 regular players including captain Edson Álvarez and key contributors from their recent Nations League and Gold Cup victories. The absence stems from injuries to six European-based stars like AC Milan's Santiago Giménez and midfielders Luis Chávez and César Huerta, all critical to last season's title-winning squad. These losses come as the team rebuilds its roster ahead of a pivotal World Cup debut against South Africa on June 11, with 40-year-old veteran Guillermo Ochoa seizing the starting goalkeeper role after Luis Malagón's injury.

The matches also mark the reopening of the iconic Azteca Stadium for World Cup preparations, last hosting a major final in 1986.