Mexico Beat Serbia 5-1 In Final World Cup Warm-Up

Mexico closed World Cup preparations with a commanding 5-1 comeback victory over Serbia, completing a run of three straight wins before facing South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11. Javier Aguirre’s squad trailed early yet responded with five unanswered goals, including a timely strike from Raul Jimenez, as Mexico built momentum for FIFA’s flagship competition.

Jimenez entered the international window after scoring 10 goals for Fulham in 2025-26, a total bettered there only by Harry Wilson’s 11. The forward still chased a first World Cup goal, but moved to 45 international strikes against Serbia, one behind Jared Borgetti in Mexico’s all-time list. Jimenez also led Mexico for shots on target, touches in the penalty area, duels won and successful dribbles, while Roberto Alvarado created a team-high four chances.

Serbia struck first when Petar Stanic skipped past Jesus Gallardo’s challenge and drove a low shot beyond Raul Rangel into the bottom-left corner after 19 minutes. Mexico replied on 34 minutes, as a short corner routine ended with Brian Gutierrez swinging in a teasing cross that Johan Vasquez met with a powerful header, bringing Estadio Nemesio Diez to life and tilting control towards the hosts.

First-half stoppage time brought further relief for Aguirre’s team. Stefan Bukinac attempted a pass from the left, but the ball wrong-footed goalkeeper Filip Stankovic and rolled into the net for an own goal. Mexico then stretched the lead on 57 minutes when Julian Quinones struck the post, and Jimenez reacted quickest to finish from close range and deepen Serbia’s problems.

Serbia’s difficulties mounted in the 72nd minute, when another own goal effectively settled the contest. Alexis Vega’s corner flashed into the six-yard box and Adem Avdic inadvertently diverted the ball past Stankovic. Luis Chavez then added a stylish fifth in the final minute of normal time, driving a left-footed shot from the edge of the area inside Rangel’s near post.

Mexico’s superiority also showed in the underlying data. Aguirre’s side produced 17 attempts, hitting the target seven times and posting an expected goals figure of 2.17. Serbia managed only three shots and finished with an xG of 0.45, underlining how little danger Rangel faced after the early setback as Mexico controlled territory and tempo.

Mexico, Serbia and Group A rivals step up World Cup readiness

Group A opponents Czechia also ended preparations on a positive note, beating Guatemala 3-1 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Czechia used the friendly as the last tune-up before playing South Korea on June 12. The match followed a similar pattern to Mexico’s, with Czechia briefly pegged back before two late goals restored control and confirmed another confident performance before travelling.

Patrik Schick opened the scoring for Czechia after 11 minutes with a precise finish that found the net. Guatemala levelled five minutes before half-time, when William Fajardo capitalised to make it 1-1. Czechia pulled clear late, as Tomas Chory struck in the 72nd minute, and Denis Visinsky registered a first international goal after punishing a mistake by goalkeeper Luis Moran.

Both Mexico and Czechia therefore headed towards their World Cup openers with strong attacking displays and clear tactical structure. Mexico’s heavy win over Serbia, Jimenez’s form and superior metrics, together with Czechia’s late surge against Guatemala, suggested Group A would start with two confident sides when action began on June 11 and June 12.