When Mexican Football Federation called this match a final tune-up before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, no one expected a 2-1 loss to Paraguay to expose such deep cracks. The defeat, delivered on November 18, 2025, wasn’t just a stumble—it was a wake-up call. All three goals came in a chaotic 10-minute span of the second half, turning what should’ve been a confidence-builder into a nightmare for El Tri. And with the World Cup just 19 months away, the questions aren’t just about tactics anymore—they’re about identity.
Chaos in the Box: The Three Goals That Changed Everything
The match began with the kind of sluggishness that’s become all too familiar for Mexican fans. But then, in the 46th minute, everything flipped. Antonio Sanabria fired a shot that looked offside, then clearly handled by goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón—or so the referee thought. The goal was waved off. The crowd groaned. Then came the VAR review. The call was overturned. Sanabria’s strike stood. No one in the Mexican camp had time to react.
Seven minutes later, Raúl Jiménez stepped up to the spot after Enciso brought down Pineda in the box. Jiménez, 34, buried it. His 44th goal for Mexico. His 11th this year. A moment of class in a sea of confusion. Fans rose. Hope flickered. Then, three minutes later, Damián Bobadilla rose above a tangled mess of defenders and headed home a cross from Enciso. The stadium went silent. Mexico’s defense, already shaky, looked like a house of cards in a windstorm.
Player Ratings Reveal a Team in Transition
Even the ratings told the story. Luis Ángel Malagón got a 6.9 from Sports Illustrated—not bad, but not good enough. The report noted he "could’ve done better on both goals" but "made a couple of brilliant saves." That’s the definition of a player on the edge. He’s not the clear starter anymore. Not with Rodrigo Rivas and Alfredo Talavera breathing down his neck.
Central defender Jesús Orozco got a 6.0. The breakdown? He failed to clear a cross leading to Bobadilla’s winner. His overall performance was solid—until it wasn’t. Left-back Mateo Chávez, a 21-year-old called up for his speed, earned a 5.9. "Hesitant in attack. Dispossessed three times. But made three crucial tackles," read the analysis. He’s raw. And Mexico can’t afford raw in 2026.
A History of Dominance, Now Under Threat
Since 2006, Mexico had owned this rivalry: 8 wins, 1 loss, 21 goals scored, 7 conceded. That was the narrative. Until now. This loss, the second in nine meetings, shatters that illusion. The 4-2 win over Paraguay in March 2019 under Gerardo Martino felt like a statement. This? Feels like a surrender.
Paraguay’s defense—led by Gustavo Gomes and Junior Alonso—didn’t just hold. They suffocated. Mexico had 62% possession. They had 18 shots. Only three were on target. The numbers lie. The eyes don’t.
Who’s in Charge? And What’s the Plan?
The coach remains unnamed in most reports, but context points to Jaime Lozano—or perhaps interim manager Ricardo Ferretti. Whoever it is, they’re under fire. Sports Illustrated called it "yet another unconvincing performance," adding: "More fight than actual quality play." That’s damning. In 2026, you don’t win with heart alone. You win with precision, structure, and clinical finishing.
Jiménez is still the go-to man. But he’s 34. Who’s next? Henry Martin? Uriel Antuna? Neither looked like a leader in this game. The midfield lacked rhythm. The fullbacks were exposed. The passing was too slow. Too predictable.
What’s Next? The Road to 2026
The next international window is March 2026. That’s it. Three months to fix everything. No more friendlies. No more experiments. The Concacaf qualifiers begin in June. This loss isn’t just a bad result—it’s a red flag on the blueprint.
The Mexican Football Federation will have to decide: Is Malagón the man? Who’s the center-back pairing? Is Jiménez still the striker of choice, or is it time to give César Montes or Orbelín Pineda more freedom? The answers can’t wait.
Paraguay didn’t win because they were better. They won because Mexico didn’t show up. Not as a team. Not as a unit. Not as a nation ready for the World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this loss more concerning than previous defeats?
This wasn’t just a loss—it was a collapse in critical moments. Mexico dominated possession but couldn’t create clean chances, and their defense crumbled under minimal pressure. Unlike past friendlies, this came after months of preparation for the 2026 World Cup, with key positions still unsettled. The fact that Paraguay, historically underdogs in this rivalry, scored twice in 10 minutes exposes a lack of tactical discipline that can’t be ignored heading into qualifiers.
Is Luis Ángel Malagón still Mexico’s best goalkeeper option?
His 6.9 rating suggests he’s still in contention, but it’s a lukewarm endorsement. He was beaten twice on relatively simple plays and looked hesitant throughout. With Alfredo Talavera still active at 39 and young Rodrigo Rivas performing well in Liga MX, the goalkeeping position is wide open. The federation needs a clear No. 1 by March 2026, or risk repeating defensive errors in high-stakes matches.
How does this affect Mexico’s World Cup qualifying chances?
Not directly—this was a friendly. But psychologically, it’s damaging. Mexico enters the Concacaf qualifiers as favorites, but this result undermines confidence. Teams like Canada and the U.S. will see this and believe El Tri is vulnerable. The lack of attacking creativity and defensive organization could cost them crucial points against smaller nations in home-and-away fixtures next year.
Who scored for Paraguay, and why does it matter?
Antonio Sanabria, a 29-year-old veteran with experience in Europe, opened the scoring after a VAR reversal. Damián Bobadilla, just 23, sealed it with a powerful header. Their combined age is 52—older than Mexico’s starting striker Raúl Jiménez. That Paraguay’s youth and experience combined to exploit Mexico’s defensive confusion signals a generational shift. Mexico’s defense isn’t just outplayed—it’s outclassed.
What’s the historical context of Mexico vs. Paraguay?
Since 2006, Mexico held an 8-1-0 record against Paraguay, scoring 21 goals to Paraguay’s 7. This loss marks the first time since 2017 that Paraguay beat Mexico in a competitive fixture. The 4-2 win in 2019 under Tata Martino felt like a statement of dominance. Now, with two losses in the last eight meetings, the psychological edge Mexico once held is gone. That shift matters as much as the scoreline.
What changes does Mexico need before the 2026 World Cup?
First, they need a clear starting XI—not rotating based on friendlies. Second, they need a coherent attacking strategy that doesn’t rely solely on Jiménez. Third, they need to fix the fullback position, where hesitation leads to goals. And finally, they need a coach who can instill urgency. The talent is there. But without structure, discipline, and leadership, talent alone won’t carry them in 2026.
