With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, participating nations have intensified their preparations through a series of international friendly matches aimed at fine-tuning tactics, assessing player form and resolving selection dilemmas ahead of football’s biggest tournament.
The expanded World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, will feature 48 teams for the first time in the competition’s history.
As part of preparations, nations have embarked on warm-up fixtures across different continents, with several traditional football powers delivering strong performances while others suffered surprising setbacks.
Co-hosts Mexico underlined their readiness for the tournament with a pair of encouraging victories.
The Mexicans first secured a 2-0 win over Ghana thanks to goals from Brian Gutierrez and Guillermo Martinez before producing a commanding 5-1 victory over Serbia.
In the emphatic triumph over Serbia, Johan Vasquez, Raul Jimenez and Luis Chavez were on target, while two own goals further boosted Mexico’s tally.
The performances have strengthened confidence among supporters that the hosts could make a significant impact when the tournament begins.
Among the standout teams during the latest round of friendlies was Belgium, which demonstrated attacking quality and defensive solidity in successive victories.
Belgium thrashed Tunisia 5-0, with Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin all finding the net.
The Red Devils followed up that impressive display with a 2-0 victory over Croatia, courtesy of goals from Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku.
The results suggest Belgium could emerge as one of the tournament’s dark horses.
Germany Edge USA in High-Profile Clash
One of the most anticipated fixtures saw host nation the United States suffer a 2-1 defeat to Germany.
Kai Havertz gave Germany an early lead before Antonee Robinson restored parity for the Americans. However, Leroy Sane’s second-half strike secured victory for the Germans in a closely contested encounter.
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The match provided both sides with valuable insights ahead of the World Cup.
Shock Defeat for France
Former world champions France were handed a surprise 2-1 defeat by Côte d’Ivoire.
Rayan Cherki had put France ahead before second-half goals from Guela Doue and Amad Diallo completed an impressive comeback for the African side.
The result highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s growing competitiveness against elite opposition.
Portugal, Morocco Impress
Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Chile through goals from Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes.
Meanwhile, Morocco continued their strong run of form with a convincing 4-0 win over Madagascar. Ismael Saibari starred with a brace, while Soufiane Rahmi and Ayoub El Kaabi completed the rout.
Netherlands Stunned by Algeria
One of the biggest upsets of the warm-up fixtures came when Algeria defeated the Netherlands 1-0.
Anis Hadj Moussa’s late strike proved decisive, handing the North Africans a morale-boosting victory against one of Europe’s football heavyweights.
Other Results
Elsewhere, Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by Iraq, while Sweden and Greece shared four goals in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Canada played out a 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland, while Ireland later edged Qatar 1-0 through Nathan Collins’ early strike.
Saudi Arabia defeated Puerto Rico 3-0, and Paraguay cruised to a 4-0 victory over Nicaragua.
Meanwhile, Peru came from behind to beat Haiti 2-1, while Panama overcame the Dominican Republic 4-2.
With the World Cup drawing nearer, teams are expected to use their remaining friendly matches to test formations, assess squad depth and build momentum.
The early results have already offered a glimpse into the form of several contenders, with Belgium, Mexico, Morocco and Germany among the teams sending strong signals of intent, while France and the Netherlands will be looking to address concerns before the global showpiece begins.