Mexico vs Paraguay: World Cup Tune-Up in San Antonio

High-Stakes Showdown as Mexico Prepares for Home World Cup

The Mexican national football team faces Paraguay in a crucial friendly match on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at San Antonio's Alamodome. This final tune-up before the 2026 World Cup carries significant weight as Mexico seeks to reverse a five-match winless streak while building momentum for hosting football's biggest tournament.

Currently on a drought with zero victories and just three goals in their last five outings, El Tri enters this match against a formidable Paraguayan squad that boasts one of South America's toughest defenses. The match kicks off at 7:30 PM local time and marks the team's final international game of 2025.

Stakes Soar with Home World Cup on the Horizon

Sporting Director Duilio Davino emphasized the heightened expectations surrounding Mexico's home World Cup campaign. "We have high expectations, since we have a World Cup at home," Davino stated. "It's a big responsibility to play a World Cup at home. It's our goal that we can really reach our fans and make them happy, and make them live their dreams, and really have the best World Cup in the history of Mexican soccer."

The pressure is amplified by Mexico's recent form, which includes a goalless draw with Uruguay on Saturday, November 15. This match against Paraguay represents a critical opportunity to refine tactics, test player combinations, and secure a confidence-boosting victory before World Cup preparations intensify.

Key Players and Tactical Focus

Head Coach Javier Aguirre is expected to rotate several key players during the match. The roster includes captain Edson Álvarez (Fenerbahçe), striker Raúl Jiménez (Fulham), and MLS standouts Hirving 'Chuck' Lozano (San Diego FC) and Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders FC). Notably absent is AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez, who is sidelined by an ankle injury.

"The game in San Antonio is very important to us," Davino explained. "It's the last match of the year against a national team that's very competitive, very tough like Paraguay is. Where our head coach... will keep looking for the right combination of players for the World Cup."

Paraguay's Challenge and Historical Context

Paraguay arrives in Texas coming off a 2-1 loss to the United States and presents a stern test. "The type of team you will find at the World Cup," as Davino described them, Paraguay features Premier League stars Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United) and Diego Gomez (Brighton), alongside Palmeiras' Ramon Sosa.

Despite Mexico's historical advantage (11-5-5 all-time), Paraguay's physical style and defensive resilience make this matchup particularly valuable for Aguirre's preparations. The match also marks the debut of Mexico's new green adidas jerseys that will be worn throughout the 2026 World Cup cycle.

San Antonio: A Football Hub

The Alamodome has become a crucial venue for Mexican national team fixtures. "San Antonio has always been a perfect market for the Mexican national team," said MexTour head Pablo Zarate. "This is this very close connection. This has always been a great city, San Antonio, and a great venue, the Alamodome, for this type of event."

Zarate anticipates fans from 30 different states and across Texas to attend, highlighting the deep connection between Mexican football and its diaspora. "There are very important games, and we know that the Mexican national team fan base always shows up to support the team, especially in this final stage," he added.

Building Momentum for Glory

With the World Cup less than eight months away, every opportunity to gain rhythm and cohesion is invaluable. Mexico's last victory was the 2-1 triumph over the USA in the Gold Cup final on July 6. A strong performance against Paraguay could reignite the team's belief and provide a psychological boost for the challenges ahead.

As the final chapter of 2025, this friendly against Paraguay serves as both a test and a statement—a chance to showcase progress and rally the passionate fan base behind the team's ambitious home World Cup aspirations.

"It's our goal that we can really reach our fans and make them happy, and make them live their dreams, and really have the best World Cup in the history of Mexican soccer."

— Duilio Davino, Mexico Sporting Director