The Mexican national soccer team closed out 2025 in dramatic and troubling fashion, falling 2-1 to Paraguay in a friendly at San Antonio’s Alamodome—a result that deepens the crisis surrounding El Tri as the 2026 World Cup looms ever closer.
A Night of Frustration and Boos
More than 28,000 fans packed the Alamodome, hoping to see signs of life from a Mexican squad desperate to break a six-match winless streak. Instead, they witnessed another lackluster performance that left the crowd audibly frustrated. Boos and the infamous “grito” chant echoed through the stadium, underscoring the growing disconnect between the team and its supporters.
Javier Aguirre’s side started with intent but quickly lost momentum. Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria struck first, capitalizing on a defensive lapse and beating Mexican goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón. The goal stood after a VAR review, setting the tone for a tense evening.
Second-Half Drama and Missed Opportunities
Paraguay doubled their lead in the second half through Damián Bobadilla, exploiting Mexico’s disorganized defense. El Tri managed to pull one back with a penalty converted by veteran striker Raúl Jiménez, but the late surge was not enough to salvage a result.
Tempers flared on the sidelines as Paraguay’s assistant coach Carlos González was shown a red card for dissent just 16 minutes into the match, adding to the chaotic atmosphere.
Six Matches Without a Win: A Crisis Deepens
This defeat marks Mexico’s sixth consecutive match without a victory—a streak that includes draws against Japan, South Korea, Ecuador, and Uruguay, and a heavy 4-0 loss to Colombia. The team’s FIFA ranking has slipped, dropping out of the top 15 for the first time in years.
The pressure is mounting on Aguirre and his staff to find solutions. Defensive frailties, lack of attacking creativity, and mounting fan discontent have all become urgent issues as the 2026 World Cup—set to be hosted in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—draws near.
What’s Next for El Tri?
With no more matches scheduled until January, the Mexican squad faces a critical period of reflection and rebuilding. The World Cup group stage draw is set for December 5 in Washington, D.C., and the team’s recent form has raised serious questions about their readiness to compete on home soil.
Key Takeaways
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Mexico lost 2-1 to Paraguay in their final match of 2025.-
El Tri is now winless in six straight games, sparking fan unrest and media scrutiny.-
Coach Javier Aguirre faces mounting pressure to turn things around before the 2026 World Cup.-
The team’s FIFA ranking has dropped, and confidence is at a low point.The coming months will be pivotal for Mexico’s national team. With the eyes of the world set to turn to North America in 2026, El Tri must regroup, rebuild, and rediscover the spark that once made them a regional powerhouse.
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