Mexico delivered a dominant performance in their last match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating Serbia 5-1 in an international friendly at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The result gives coach Javier Aguirre's squad a major confidence boost ahead of their World Cup opener next week.
El Tri overcame an early scare after Serbia struck first through Petar Stanic in the 19th minute, but Mexico responded emphatically. Johan Vásquez headed home an equalizer from a Brian Gutiérrez corner, and a Stefan Bukinac own goal gave Mexico a 2-1 lead at halftime.
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Raúl Jiménez extended Mexico's advantage with a composed finish in the second half, before a second Serbian own goal — this time credited to Adem Avdic — made it 4-1. Luis Chávez then capped the night with a stunning long-range strike in the 90th minute to complete the 5-1 rout.
The convincing victory gives Javier Aguirre's side valuable momentum heading into their World Cup opener next week. Mexico are one of three co-host nations for the 2026 tournament, and the home crowd in Toluca witnessed exactly the kind of performance they were hoping for.
What Happened
Mexico earned a commanding 5-1 victory over Serbia in an international friendly at Estadio Nemesio Diez. Despite falling behind early, El Tri responded with authority and extended their unbeaten run with another convincing performance. Johan Vásquez, Raúl Jiménez, and Luis Chávez found the net, while Serbia also conceded two own goals.
The match was Serbia's final tune-up before the World Cup — except Serbia will not actually be competing in the tournament. Serbia failed to qualify for the World Cup after finishing third in their UEFA qualifying group. For Mexico, the evening was about sharpening their game before the real competition begins.
Timeline of Events
- 19th minute: Petar Stanic puts Serbia ahead with a well-taken finish, giving the visitors a surprise early lead.
- Before halftime: Johan Vásquez heads home from a Brian Gutiérrez corner to equalize, then a Stefan Bukinac own goal gives Mexico a 2-1 lead at the break.
- Second half: Raúl Jiménez adds a third goal with a composed finish.
- Later in the second half: Another Serbian own goal, credited to Adem Avdic, makes it 4-1.
- 90th minute: Luis Chávez seals the win with a stunning long-range strike to complete the 5-1 scoreline.
Key Details Readers Should Know
Mexico came into this match in strong form. Their most recent outing before Thursday was a 1-0 win over Australia on May 31 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, which extended their unbeaten run in 2026. Earlier in their recent stretch of friendlies, El Tri recorded a commanding 4-0 win over Iceland in February and drew 1-1 with Belgium before holding Portugal to a goalless draw in late March.
Across those five games prior to Thursday, Mexico scored seven goals and conceded just one — a defensive record that coach Aguirre would have wanted to maintain heading into tournament football.
Serbia, on the other hand, arrived in poor form. They lost 3-0 to Cape Verde on May 31 — a result that raised concerns for coach Dragan Stojković as his side attempted to find their footing. It was a difficult result for a squad that had beaten Saudi Arabia 2-1 in March.
The last competitive meeting between the two nations before Thursday came on November 11, 2011, in Querétaro, where Mexico won 2-0 through goals from Carlos Salcido and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández.
Reactions and Responses
Javier Aguirre said ahead of the match that Mexico's World Cup squad are fully focused and that the team's tactical structure is already well established regardless of who starts. Thursday's performance appeared to back up those words.
Johan Vásquez's role was particularly notable. The central defender not only contributed defensively but also got on the scoresheet with a well-timed header — exactly the kind of contribution a team needs from its backline ahead of a major tournament. Luis Chávez's long-range goal in stoppage time added a stamp of quality to what was already a convincing win.
For Serbia, the night will do little to lift spirits. Although they are not in the World Cup, the national team was using this window to build experience and test their squad depth. A 5-1 loss to a co-host nation — even in a friendly — is a result that will prompt questions within the program.
What Happens Next
Mexico are one of the three countries hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will play the opening match of the tournament against South Africa. That match is expected to be one of the most-watched games of the early group stage, given the atmosphere a home crowd brings.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 national teams competing across the group stage and knockout rounds, with matches running from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Mexico are placed in Group A alongside South Africa, and the pressure will be high given they are competing on home soil. Thursday's 5-1 win over Serbia was the final test — and by the final whistle, Aguirre's squad had answered it convincingly.
Serbia, who are not part of the World Cup, will now continue their own preparation for future qualifying campaigns after what has been a difficult international window.
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