World Cup co-hosts Mexico secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Australia in a friendly match at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, as nearly 80,000 fans filled the stadium in a lively pre-tournament atmosphere.
Defender Johan Vásquez scored the only goal of the match midway through the first half, heading home from an Alexis Vega corner to give El Tri the win in front of a largely partisan crowd.
Mexico controlled possession for much of the contest but were made to work hard by a disciplined Australian side, who threatened intermittently on the counterattack and created several promising chances of their own.
The match, played at the iconic Pasadena venue that hosted the 1994 World Cup final, saw overwhelming support for Mexico, who will co-host the 2026 tournament alongside the United States and Canada. Only a small contingent of Australian fans were present among the sea of green in the stands.
Australia’s best early opportunity came through Jackson Irvine, who narrowly missed the target after reacting to a loose ball from a set-piece.
Mexico soon began to assert themselves, with Luis Chávez delivering dangerous crosses and Vega forcing goalkeeper Mathew Ryan into a sharp save before the breakthrough eventually arrived.
The decisive goal came from a well-worked set piece, as Vega’s curling corner was met by Vásquez, who guided his header in off the post, leaving Ryan with no chance. Australia were criticised for poor marking despite their aerial advantage in defence.
The Socceroos had a golden opportunity to equalise just before half-time when a defensive misunderstanding gifted Mohamed Toure an open chance, but the striker dragged his effort wide with the goal at his mercy.
Australia improved after the break, with Aiden O’Neill testing the Mexican goalkeeper from distance, while both teams made multiple substitutions in the second half to rotate their squads.
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 40, was among Mexico’s changes as he continues preparations for a record sixth World Cup appearance.
Australia also threatened through substitutes Paul Okon-Engstler and Ajdin Hrustic, but Mexico’s defence held firm to preserve their lead.
Mexico briefly thought they had doubled their advantage late on when Jesús Gallardo’s effort deflected in, but the goal was disallowed due to an infringement during the set-piece setup.
Mexico will play their final warm-up match against Serbia on Thursday before opening their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City. They have been drawn in Group A alongside South Korea and the Czech Republic.
Australia, meanwhile, will continue preparations for a group that includes co-hosts the United States, Paraguay and Turkey.
