Mexico had the their worst performance in decades during the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The team led by coach Gerardo Martino were eliminated in the first round after failing to advance in Group C against Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia. Since 1994, Mexico always reached at least the Round of 16. That remarkable streak is over.
Now, the next step for Mexico is the 2026 World Cup in which they will be hosts for a third time in history. That would be a record. In 1970 and 1986, when the famous Tri also played at home, Mexico achieved their best participations ever by reaching the quarterfinals. This time, they have to aim even higher.
So, 2023 is the beginning of a new era for Mexico with no time to lose towards the next World Cup. This process will have a new coach considering Gerardo Martino's contract wasn't extended. Read here to find out the schedule for Mexico's national team in 2023.
Mexico national team schedule for 2023
Mexico started 2023 with a 2-0 win at Suriname in the Concacaf Nations League. On their next match, they tied with Jamaica at Azteca Stadium with a final 2-2 score. That result gave them a ticket for the Final Four in the tournament.
The next official FIFA window is scheduled between June 12 and June 20. For Mexico, this will be the last opportunity to play official games before the 2023 Gold Cup. After Mexico won Group A of the 2022-2023 Concacaf Nations League, they will play on the Final Four of the tournament during this window.
Then comes the most important event for Mexico during 2023: the Gold Cup. The tournament is scheduled to be played from June 24 to July 16. Mexico are trying to claim back the title after they lost the final in 2021 against the United States.
After the 2023 Gold Cup, there are three more official FIFA windows during the rest of the year. Most certainly, Mexico will schedule friendly matches because they are already qualified for the 2026 World Cup as hosts. The dates of those three FIFA windows are: September 4 to September 12, October 9 to October 17, November 13 to November 21.
Mexico could schedule up to six matches during those periods. Two in September, two in October and two more in November to close the year. Those rivals and dates are yet to be announced.
Mexico national team schedule: List of games for 2023
March 23: Suriname 0-2 Mexico (2022-2023 Concacaf Nations League - Group stage)
March 26: Mexico 2-2 Jamaica (2022-2023 Concacaf Nations League - Group stage)
April 19: Mexico 1-1 United States (International Friendly - State Farm Stadium / Glendale, Arizona)
June 15: Mexico vs United States (Semifinal of 2022-2023 Concacaf Nations League - Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada).
June 18: Final or third place match of 2022-2023 Concacaf Nations League - Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada).
June 25: Mexico vs Honduras (2023 Gold Cup - Group stage / NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas).
June 29: Mexico vs Haiti (2023 Gold Cup - Group stage / State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona).
July 2: Mexico vs Qatar (2023 Gold Cup - Group stage / Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California).
October: Possible friendly match against Germany (*Specific date for the match later to be announced)
