The Federación Mexicana de Futbol and Soccer United Marketing have set the stage for a high-stakes friendly: Mexico vs. Paraguay on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. CST at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. This isn’t just another exhibition — it’s the final MexTour match in Texas before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 120th game in a series that’s become a cornerstone of North American soccer culture. For Mexican fans, it’s a chance to see their team — fresh off a 13th CONCACAF Gold Cup title — in action one last time on home soil before the world’s biggest tournament. For Paraguay, it’s a rare opportunity to test their newly qualified squad against a regional powerhouse.
Why This Match Matters More Than a Friendly
Both teams are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and this game falls squarely in the November international window — the last full month of preparation before the tournament kicks off in June. That means no squad restrictions. No fringe players. No experimental lineups. Javier Aguirre, in his third stint as Mexico’s head coach, will field his strongest XI. He’s faced Paraguay twice before — once as a player in 1986, once as a coach in 2001 — and both ended in stalemates. History won’t repeat itself this time. Expect fireworks.
Paraguay, meanwhile, is coming off a gritty qualification campaign and will be led by Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg), and Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras). Their defense is physical, their counterattacks lethal. Mexico, on the other hand, has firepower: Santiago Giménez (AC Milan) and Raúl Jiménez (Fulham) form a lethal strike partnership. The midfield? A blend of grit and creativity with Erik Lira, Erick Sánchez, and Marcel Ruiz pulling strings.
San Antonio’s Unexpected Role in World Cup Prep
It’s odd, really. The Alamodome isn’t one of the 16 official 2026 FIFA World Cup host venues. But that doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant. In fact, its inclusion in the MexTour schedule is a quiet masterstroke. San Antonio has a massive, passionate Mexican-American population — over 60% of the city’s residents identify as Hispanic. The Alamodome has hosted five previous MexTour matches since 2015, selling out every time. This one? Tickets go on sale September 22 at 10 a.m. CST via SomosLocales.com, and they’ll be gone in under an hour.
Why San Antonio? Because it’s not just a city — it’s a cultural bridge. Fans here don’t just watch soccer; they live it. The chants, the flags, the tifos — this isn’t a game. It’s a homecoming. And for Mexico, playing in Texas before the World Cup is symbolic. It’s the last time they’ll face a full-strength opponent on U.S. soil before the tournament. The next time they play in Texas, it’ll be during the World Cup — and they won’t be visitors anymore.
The Bigger Picture: Mexico’s Historic World Cup Legacy
When the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, Mexico will become the first nation to host or co-host the tournament three times — 1970, 1986, and now 2026. That’s more than Brazil. More than Italy. More than Germany. The 2026 edition will also be the first with 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers advance. Pot 1? The three host nations — Mexico, the United States, Canada — plus the top nine ranked teams outside the hosts. That means Mexico won’t have to qualify. They’ve been handed a golden ticket.
And yet, they’re not taking it lightly. Their recent form is encouraging: a 4-2 win over Switzerland in Salt Lake City, a 2-1 victory against Panama in SoFi Stadium, and a 1-0 shutout of Canada at the same venue. Their projected 2026 formation? A 4-3-3 with goalkeeper Raul Rangel, center backs Juanjo Purata and Johan Vasquez, and wingers Hirving Lozano and German Berterame supporting Jiménez. The team looks balanced, fast, and hungry.
What’s Next for Both Teams
After San Antonio, Mexico’s next match will be in early December — likely against a South American rival in a neutral venue. Paraguay will face a friendly against Colombia in October, then travel to Europe for a pair of matches in November to test their squad against higher-ranked opposition. But this November 18 clash? It’s the one both teams will remember. It’s not just a tune-up. It’s a statement.
For Mexico, it’s a chance to silence critics who say their Gold Cup win was a fluke. For Paraguay, it’s proof they’re back among the continent’s elite. And for fans? It’s a rare, intimate preview of what’s coming in 2026 — a tournament that will unite three nations, but start with one electrifying night in San Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this match being held in San Antonio if it’s not a World Cup host city?
San Antonio isn’t an official 2026 World Cup venue, but it’s a strategic location for Mexico’s pre-tournament preparation. With over 60% of its population identifying as Hispanic, the city offers a home-away-from-home atmosphere. The Alamodome has sold out every MexTour match since 2015, making it a reliable venue for fan engagement and ticket revenue. It also allows the team to test logistics and fan engagement in a major U.S. market before the tournament.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Mexico, keep an eye on striker Raúl Jiménez — returning from injury — and Santiago Giménez, who’s been in lethal form for AC Milan. On the wings, Hirving Lozano’s pace will test Paraguay’s defense. For Paraguay, Miguel Almirón’s dribbling and vision, Julio Enciso’s clinical finishing, and Gustavo Gómez’s aerial dominance will be critical. Both teams have strong midfielders, but Erick Sánchez and Marcel Ruiz for Mexico could control the tempo.
How does this match affect Mexico’s World Cup chances?
While Mexico is guaranteed a spot as a co-host, this match is vital for building chemistry and testing tactics. A strong performance against a disciplined Paraguay side — who finished top of their CONMEBOL qualifying group — will boost confidence and signal to other teams that Mexico is a serious contender. It’s also the final chance for Javier Aguirre to evaluate his squad under pressure before locking in the final 26-man roster.
What’s the significance of the 120th MexTour match?
The MexTour series, launched in 2003, has become the most successful international soccer tour in the Americas, drawing over 5 million fans across 120 matches. It’s helped sustain Mexico’s fanbase in the U.S., generated over $200 million in revenue, and created a pipeline for young Mexican-American players. This 120th match isn’t just a number — it’s a milestone that underscores the cultural and economic impact of soccer in North America.
Can Paraguay realistically beat Mexico?
Yes — but it won’t be easy. Mexico has won 13 of their last 15 meetings with Paraguay since 2000, including a 2-0 win in the 2021 CONMEBOL–CONCACAF Gold Cup playoff. But Paraguay has improved dramatically under coach Gerardo Martino. Their defensive organization and counterattacking speed have made them dangerous. A 1-1 draw or narrow 2-1 win for Mexico would be a realistic outcome — but don’t count out a Paraguayan upset if their midfield dominates the center of the pitch.