Mexico beat Ghana 2-0 in International Friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Mexico defeated Ghana 2-0 in an International Friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Brian Gutierrez and Guillermo Martinez scoring the goals in a dominant performance from El Tri. Check out the highlights here.
Mexicobeat Ghana 2-0 in the International Friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup with a dominant performance from start to finish at Estadio Cuauhtemoc. Brian Gutierrez opened the scoring early for El Tri, while Guillermo Martinez sealed the victory in the second half after a dangerous counterattack. Ghana struggled to respond offensively and spent most of the match defending deep in their own half.
The opening half was completely controlled by Mexico, who constantly pressured Ghana and created several dangerous chances throughout the first 45 minutes. Roberto Alvarado, Gilberto Mora, and Jesus Gallardo all came close to extending the lead, but goalkeeper Benjamin Asare delivered multiple important saves to keep the scoreline close before halftime.
In the second half, Mexico continued rotating their squad while maintaining control of possession and tempo. Ghana improved briefly with a dangerous attempt from Afena Gyan, but Carlos Acevedo responded with a strong save. After Guillermo Martinez scored the second goal, the pace of the match slowed down considerably, and El Tri comfortably closed out the victory.
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Mexico beat Ghana 2-0 in the International Friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup and you lived every moment of this exciting game here, on Bolavip.
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90' - Full time at Estadio Cuauhtemoc! (2-0)
Mexico defeat Ghana 2-0 in this international friendly after a dominant performance from start to finish. Goals from Brian Gutierrez and Guillermo Martinez sealed the victory for El Tri, who controlled possession throughout the match and gave Ghana very few opportunities going forward.
90+5' - Five minutes added to the second half (2-0)
The referee signals five minutes of added time as Mexico remain in full control of the match and Ghana continue searching for a late response.
90' - Ghana make four more substitutions (2-0)
Ghana continue to rotate their squad late in the match as Terry Yegbe, Jan Gyamerah, Nathaniel Adjei and Oscar Naasei come off the field. Antwi Dacosta, Ebenezer Adade, David Oduro and Ebenezer Abban enter for the Black Stars.
89' - Mexico comfortably manage the final stages (2-0)
The match appears to be fully under control now, with neither side creating real danger in the final third. Ghana continue to struggle offensively, losing possession quickly and lacking verticality in attack, while Mexico move the ball from side to side and manage the tempo comfortably.
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82' - Yellow card for Mateo Chavez (2-0)
Mateo Chavez goes into the referee’s book after a hard challenge on Aziz Issah during a midfield battle. The foul adds another physical moment to a second half that has become increasingly interrupted.
80' - The pace of the match slows down (2-0)
The intensity of the game has dropped considerably during the second half, with Mexico controlling possession comfortably while Ghana continue to struggle creating danger in the final third.
75' - Ghana make four more changes (2-0)
Ghana make another round of substitutions as Ashimeru Majeed, Ibrahim Osman, Benjamin Asare and Emmanuel Agyei leave the match. Aziz Issah, Joseph Opoku, Solomon Agbasi and Salim Adams come on for the Black Stars.
71' - Mexico make two additional substitutions (2-0)
Mexico continue to rotate their lineup in the second half as Erik Lira and Brian Gutierrez come off the field. Luis Rey and Iker Fimbres enter the match for El Tri.
68' - Ghana make three substitutions (2-0)
Ghana respond with changes of their own in the second half. Jesuran Rak-Sakyi, Daniel Agyei, and Afena Gyan leave the field, while Razak Simpson, Prince Amoako, and Jerry Afriyie come on for the Black Stars.
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63' - Mexico make five more substitutions (2-0)
Mexico continue rotating their squad with several changes in the second half. Jesus Gallardo, Alexis Vega, Roberto Alvarado, Jesus Gomez, and Luis Romo come off, while Mateo Chavez, Kevin Castaneda, Isaias Violante, Luis Chavez, and Eduardo Aguila enter the match for El Tri.
59' - Mexico remain in full control of the match (2-0)
Mexico continue to dominate possession and control the pace of the game despite holding a two goal advantage. Ghana still have not reacted offensively and remain deep in their own half without taking risks going forward.
54' - GOOOOOOAL FOR MEXICO!! (2-0)
Mexico double their lead after a brilliant counterattack that begins following a shot from Sakyi that strikes the post for Ghana. The transition is led by Mora, who drives forward before delivering a perfect pass into the middle of the box for Guillermo Martinez, and the striker finishes with a powerful shot into the top corner.
52' - Ghana come close with a powerful strike from Afena Gyan (1-0)
Ghana nearly find the equalizer after a dangerous attacking move led by Afena Gyan. The forward unleashes a powerful shot from the right side inside the box, but Carlos Acevedo reacts well and makes a strong save to preserve Mexico’s lead.
50' - Mexico make four changes at halftime (1-0)
Mexico make several substitutions to begin the second half. Raul Rangel, Armando Gonzalez, Gilberto Mora, and Israel Reyes come off, while Carlos Acevedo, Guillermo Martinez, Edson Alvarez, and Jorge Sanchez enter the match for El Tri.
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45' - Second half is underway! (1-0)
The second half is now underway at Estadio Cuauhtemoc as Mexico look to maintain control and extend their lead, while Ghana search for a response after struggling for long stretches in the opening 45 minutes.
45' - Halftime at Estadio Cuauhtemoc (1-0)
The first half comes to an end with Mexico holding a deserved 1-0 lead over Ghana. El Tri dominated possession, created the better chances throughout the opening 45 minutes, and could have extended the advantage if not for several important saves from Benjamin Asare.
45' - One minute added to the first half (1-0)
The fourth official signals one minute of added time at the end of the first half as Mexico continue to control the match heading into the break.
40' - Mexico goal ruled out for offside (1-0)
Mexico thought they had doubled the lead after a dangerous attacking sequence, but the goal is disallowed for offside. Jesus Gallardo attempted a through ball into space, though Alexis Vega was caught in an offside position before finishing the play.
38' - Benjamin Asare keeps Ghana alive once again (1-0)
Mexico continue to create danger with another excellent attacking move led by Gilberto Mora through the middle near the edge of the area. The midfielder unleashes another shot on target, but Benjamin Asare makes yet another important save and remains the main reason Ghana are still only trailing by one goal.
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32' - Jesus Gallardo misses with a header (1-0)
Mexico create another dangerous chance as Roberto Alvarado sends in a precise cross into the box. Jesus Gallardo connects with a header from the center of the area, but the effort sails well over the crossbar.
26' - Mexico remain in complete control of the match (1-0)
Mexico continue to dominate the game from start to finish, controlling possession and applying constant pressure in every area of the field. Ghana have struggled to react and still cannot find an answer to El Tri’s intensity and ball movement.
22' - Mexico waste a huge scoring opportunity (1-0)
Mexico come incredibly close to doubling the lead after a brilliant attacking sequence. Gilberto Mora hits the right post with a powerful effort, and the rebound falls perfectly to Armando Gonzalez, but the forward misses with the goal wide open. Benjamin Asare then reacts quickly to prevent the danger and keep Ghana alive in the match.
19' - Roberto Alvarado misses a clear chance for Mexico (1-0)
Israel Reyes delivers an excellent through ball that leaves Roberto Alvarado one-on-one inside the area. However, the finish lacks power and the goalkeeper makes a comfortable save to keep Ghana within one goal.
15' - Ghana create their first dangerous chance (1-0)
Ghana generate their first clear opportunity of the match after winning back possession in midfield and launching a quick attacking move. The play ends with Gyan firing a right-footed shot from the left side inside the box, testing Mexico’s defense for the first time.
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13' - Yellow card for Oscar Naasei (1-0)
Oscar Naasei receives the first booking of the match after a hard foul on Gilberto Mora in midfield. The challenge stops a promising Mexico transition and adds to the physical tone of the game early on.
11' - Mexico come close after strong team play (1-0)
Mexico create another dangerous chance with an excellent collective move that ends at the feet of Roberto Alvarado. The forward cuts inside and unleashes a left-footed strike from outside the box, but Benjamin Asare reacts well to make the save for Ghana.
6' - Mexico dominate the early stages (1-0)
Mexico have shown complete control during the opening minutes, pinning Ghana deep inside their own half with constant pressure and aggressive pressing. However, the match has also been interrupted frequently by small fouls, preventing the game from finding a consistent rhythm.
2' - GOOOOOOAL FOR MEXICO!! (1-0)
Mexico take the lead after capitalizing on a costly mistake from Ghana’s defense during the buildup. Brian Gutierrez wins possession with high pressure and fires a first-time shot from outside the box to put El Tri ahead early in the match.
Mexico and Ghana are officially underway in this international friendly as both teams begin an important test ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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Teams are on the field for the pregame ceremony
Mexico and Ghana are now on the pitch for the official pregame ceremony ahead of kickoff. Both teams prepare for the national anthems as the atmosphere continues to build inside the stadium.
Ghana starting XI
Ghana will line up as follows: Benjamin Asare; Oscar Oppong, Terry Yegbe, Nathaniel Adjei, Jan Kwasi Gyamerah; Rak-Sakyi Jesurun, Majeed Ashimeru (C), Ibrahim Osman, Emmanuel Edjei; Felix Afena-Gyan, Daniel Agyei.
Mexico confirmed lineup
Mexico will line up as follows: Raul Rangel; Israel Reyes, Luis Romo, Jesus Gomez, Jesus Gallardo; Erik Lira, Brian Gutierrez, Gilberto Mora; Alexis Vega, Roberto Alvarado, Armando Gonzalez.
Ghana schedule at the 2026 World Cup
The African side will open its World Cup campaign on June 17 against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.
Their second match will take place on June 23 against England at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Finally, Ghana will close out the group stage on June 27 in Philadelphia against Croatia.
Mexico schedule at the 2026 World Cup
South Africa will face Mexico on June 11 at Estadio Banorte.
Mexico’s second match of the tournament will be against South Korea at Estadio Guadalajara on June 18.
Finally, El Tri will close out the group stage against Czechia at Estadio Ciudad de Mexico on June 24.
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Mexico vs Ghana head to head history
El Tri holds a perfect record in friendly matches against the Black Stars.
October 14, 2023: Mexico 2 - 0 Ghana June 28, 2017: Mexico 1 - 0 Ghana March 26, 2008: Mexico 2 - 1 Ghana March 1, 2006: Mexico 1 - 0 Ghana
Start time and how to watch
Mexico vs Ghana will get underway at 10:00 PM ET (PT: 7:00 PM)
Welcome to our live blog of the international friendly match!
Mexico face Ghana in a key World Cup 2026 preparation fixture, with both teams looking to test their squads ahead of the tournament. El Tri aim to build momentum at home, while Ghana arrive to sharpen their competitive edge.
Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as Mexico and Ghana battle it out today.
Emilio Abad is a bilingual journalism graduate from Universidad de Especialidad Espíritu Santo. He joined the Bolavip US team in 2024, bringing with him a deep passion for international soccer and basketball. Emilio has gained valuable experience as a news anchor on a university program and completed an internship at Radio Forever in Guayaquil. He has also covered Liga Pro events in Ecuador, highlighting his expertise in sports reporting. Through these roles, he has built a strong foundation in journalism, with a focus on sports media and storytelling.