On a chilly Tuesday night in San Antonio, Paraguay's national football team delivered a shocking statement to the world: they’re not just ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — they’re hungry. A 2-1 victory over Mexico at the Alamodome didn’t just end a long winless run for Paraguay — it exposed deep cracks in Mexico’s preparation as co-host of the tournament. With 28,076 paying fans in attendance, the match ended with jeers echoing through the stadium, not cheers, as Mexico’s sixth straight winless outing stretched into the final whistle.
First Half: Control Without Consequence
Mexico started strong, dominating possession and creating chances that should’ve put them ahead. At the 22nd minute, Gilberto Mora’s free kick forced a sharp save from Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gil. Two minutes later, Jesús Orozco’s header was blocked at the line. Then, at the 31st, Edson Álvarez smashed a shot off the right post — a moment that could’ve changed everything. But Mexico couldn’t convert. Their passing was crisp, their movement fluid, yet something was missing: clinical finishing. Paraguay sat deep, absorbed pressure, and waited. Three yellow cards for Mexico by halftime — including one for coach Javier Aguirre — signaled rising frustration, not dominance.
Second Half: The Turning Point
The game exploded in the 48th minute. Antonio Sanabria received a low cross inside the box, turned, and fired. The ball slipped past Ángel Malagón, but the referee initially blew for a foul. The VAR review lasted 90 seconds — long enough for the crowd to hold its breath. Then: goal. 1-0 Paraguay. The decision was controversial, but correct. Sanabria’s shoulder brushed Malagón’s arm — not enough to stop the play. The goal stood.
Five minutes later, Mexico equalized. A foul on Orbelín Pineda in the box led to a penalty. Raúl Jiménez, calm as ever, sent Malagón the wrong way. 1-1. Fans roared. Hope returned. But it lasted less than three minutes.
At the 56th, a free kick from the left flank bounced wildly in the box. Three defenders lost it. Damián Bobadilla rose above everyone, connecting with a thunderous header. 2-1. The Alamodome fell silent. Mexico’s defense looked confused, disorganized — a nightmare for a team that needs to be flawless next summer.
What Went Wrong for Mexico?
Jiménez had a golden chance to equalize at 65’, after a perfect cross from Roberto "Piojo" Alvarado. He headed it high — no defender near him. That’s not bad luck. That’s pressure. That’s a team unraveling under expectation. The same team that beat Turkey in September now looks lost against South American sides. In eight matches against non-CONCACAF opponents in 2025, Mexico has zero wins. Four draws. Four losses. Including this one.
The crowd’s boos weren’t just about the score. They were about the future. Mexico will host the World Cup with the U.S. and Canada. Fans expect more than survival. They expect dominance. What they got was vulnerability.
Paraguay’s Quiet Rise
For Paraguay, this was more than a win — it was a statement. Their fourth prep match since the South American qualifiers ended in victory. No more excuses. No more rebuilding. They played with grit, discipline, and precision. Sanabria and Bobadilla, both under 25, looked like the new core. Coach Gerardo Martino — yes, the same man who led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América — has quietly turned this team into a dark horse. "It was a hard game, but we stood strong. We deserved this win to close the year," said a team representative after the match. And they did.
What’s Next?
Mexico’s next two friendlies — against Costa Rica and Chile — are now must-wins. The pressure on Javier Aguirre and his staff, including former captain Rafa Márquez, is mounting. Fans are asking: Can a team that can’t beat Paraguay in Texas win the World Cup on home soil?
Meanwhile, Paraguay travels to face Uruguay in December. If they win, they’ll enter 2026 as one of the most dangerous teams in the region. And Jiménez? He’s now just two goals shy of tying Jared Borgetti’s national record. But records don’t win tournaments. Results do.
More Than a Friendly
The match was interrupted briefly at the 40th minute of the second half due to racist chants from a small group of spectators. Organizers responded quickly — security removed the individuals, and the game resumed. But the moment underscored a deeper issue: as the World Cup approaches, the world will be watching Mexico not just for its play, but for its culture. Can it rise to the occasion?
For now, Paraguay leaves Texas with pride. Mexico leaves with questions. And the countdown to 2026 just got a lot more interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mexico’s winless streak so concerning ahead of hosting the World Cup?
Mexico has gone six matches without a win (2 losses, 4 draws), including defeats to Paraguay and Uruguay in 2025. As co-host of the 2026 World Cup, expectations are sky-high. Fans and analysts worry that a team unable to beat regional rivals like Paraguay won’t be competitive against Europe’s top sides. With only four friendlies left before the tournament, time is running out to fix defensive lapses and mental toughness.
How did Paraguay manage to win despite being underdogs?
Paraguay played with disciplined structure and lethal counterattacks. Coach Gerardo Martino prioritized defensive solidity and quick transitions. Antonio Sanabria and Damián Bobadilla capitalized on Mexico’s high defensive line and poor marking on set pieces. Their victory wasn’t fluky — it was tactical. Paraguay won the key moments: the VAR decision, the rebound goal, and the mental battle when Mexico needed a response.
What role did VAR play in the outcome of the match?
VAR directly decided the match’s first goal. Referee initially disallowed Antonio Sanabria’s 48th-minute strike for a suspected foul on goalkeeper Ángel Malagón. After a 90-second review, officials determined the contact was minimal and didn’t impede the save. The goal stood, shifting momentum. Without VAR, Mexico might have held on for a draw. This was the second time in 2025 that VAR saved Paraguay from a controversial loss.
Is Raúl Jiménez’s performance enough to save Mexico’s World Cup hopes?
Jiménez scored his 45th international goal — just two away from tying Jared Borgetti’s record — and remains Mexico’s most reliable finisher. But football isn’t won by one player. His missed header at 65’ highlighted the team’s over-reliance on him. Without consistent support from midfield or a dynamic winger, Jiménez is isolated. His individual brilliance can’t compensate for systemic flaws in defense and creativity.
What does this result mean for the 2026 World Cup group stage draw?
While group assignments aren’t set, this result reinforces Paraguay’s status as a serious contender. Mexico’s poor form could lead to a tougher draw, potentially placing them in a "group of death" with Brazil, Spain, or Portugal. Paraguay, conversely, may be seeded higher based on FIFA rankings post-2025. Coaches are already studying these results to plan group-stage strategies — and Mexico’s staff won’t like what they see.
Were there any standout performances beyond the goalscorers?
Yes. Paraguay’s defensive midfielder Alan Benítez controlled the tempo after halftime, intercepting six passes and breaking up Mexico’s rhythm. For Mexico, goalkeeper Ángel Malagón made three critical saves in the first half, including two one-on-one stops against Miguel Almirón and Ramón Sosa. Young debutant Armando "Hormiga" González showed flashes of pace and creativity in his 22-minute cameo, suggesting he could be a surprise option off the bench in 2026.
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