On a crisp February night at Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro, Mexico’s national soccer team put on a show that will be remembered by fans and players alike. The international friendly against Iceland, held on February 25, 2026, was more than just a tune-up for El Tri ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—it was a statement of intent and a celebration of Mexican football’s depth, resilience, and ambition.
The match, which kicked off at 9:00 p.m. ET and was broadcast live on FOX Deportes and streamed via Fubo, saw Mexico dominate from start to finish, cruising to a commanding 4-0 victory. Head coach Javier Aguirre, making a bold decision, fielded a squad comprised solely of Liga MX players. This move was designed as a crucial evaluation window, giving domestic talents a rare chance to stake their claim for a spot on the final World Cup roster before the return of Europe-based stars later in the year.
The stakes were clear: perform here, and you could be on the plane to the world’s biggest stage. The players responded with energy, flair, and no shortage of end product. The goals came from Richard Ledezma, Armando Gonzalez, Jesus Gallardo, and Brian Gutierrez—three of whom represent Chivas, a club with a proud tradition of nurturing homegrown Mexican talent. Each strike was met with roars from the sold-out crowd, their cheers echoing through a stadium that hadn’t hosted the national team since a 2018 friendly against Chile.
For Querétaro, this night was about more than just the final score. The city, often overlooked in the Mexican soccer landscape, was thrust back into the spotlight. The last time Gallos Blancos, the local club, made a splash in the Liguilla—the final eight of Mexican soccer—was back in 2019. Their last series win came even further back, in the 2015 Clausura, a campaign that ended in heartbreak after a heavy loss to Santos Laguna in the finals. But under new ownership, led by American investor Marc Spiegel since July 2025, hope has returned. Spiegel’s vision is to put Querétaro on the soccer map and to prove that this city and state can support a big club.
“This city and this state can support a big club. Our job is to certainly put the right infrastructure and strategy in place. It’s not something that happens overnight. We know it’s a long-term process,” Spiegel told Getting CONCACAFed ahead of the match. He emphasized the importance of community engagement and building a brand that is “exciting, fresh, modern, and hip.” The overwhelmingly positive energy from locals, he said, has been a driving force behind the club’s new era.
Bringing the national team back to Querétaro was a key part of this revitalization strategy. CFO Mariana Acosta and CBO Pepe Escamilla played pivotal roles in securing the match, which required close coordination with local government officials and overcoming sponsorship hurdles. The state owns the stadium, and with renovations to the Estadio Azteca ahead of the World Cup, opportunities for El Tri to play on home soil have become precious. The result? A sold-out stadium and a city buzzing with anticipation.
Yet, the path to this celebratory night wasn’t without obstacles. Just weeks earlier, central Mexico was rocked by cartel violence following the government’s capture and killing of a notorious cartel leader. The unrest led to the postponement of Gallos’ league match against Juarez and cast uncertainty over whether the friendly would go ahead. Authorities responded with a reinforced security plan, urging fans to arrive early and preparing for possible road closures and inspection points. Despite these challenges, the match proceeded, a testament to the city’s resilience and the determination of organizers to deliver a safe, memorable event.
On the field, Mexico’s intent was clear from the outset. The squad, buoyed by recent wins over Panama and Bolivia, played with confidence and cohesion. Projected starters like Roberto Alvarado, Marcel Ruiz, and Armando González featured prominently, helping El Tri maintain their attacking rhythm and test lineup chemistry. The goals flowed as Mexico dismantled Iceland’s defense, which, under newly appointed manager Arnar Gunnlaugsson, struggled to cope with the hosts’ pace and movement. Gunnlaugsson, overseeing his first match at the helm, used the friendly to integrate younger, less experienced players, with several European-based stars unavailable due to club commitments.
Iceland, still reeling from its failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, offered little resistance. The visitors, known for their defensive organization and physical play, were unable to stem the tide. The image of Iceland’s Höskuldur Gunnlaugsson desperately defending against Mexico’s Efraín Álvarez captured the tone of the night—one team in transition, the other surging forward with purpose.
The friendly was also a showcase for the Liga MX, as domestic players seized the spotlight. For Aguirre, the match provided valuable insights into which local talents might complement the established European-based stars when the final World Cup roster is assembled. “We need to be better, and we’re competitive people. But we certainly know that you can’t flip an entire roster in one or two windows,” Spiegel reflected, acknowledging the ongoing rebuild at club level while celebrating the night’s success.
Off the pitch, Spiegel has been vocal about the need for broader reforms in Mexican soccer. He’s a proponent of centralizing media rights—a move that, he believes, could help Liga MX become one of the five biggest leagues in the world. “If we do our job and do the right thing, this should be one of the five biggest leagues in the world. The demographics truly support that,” he said, pointing to the league’s unique popularity both in Mexico and among fans in the United States.
Security and fan experience were also front and center. Spiegel acknowledged the dark legacy of the 2022 riot at Estadio Corregidora but insisted that the club and city are committed to moving forward. “You either learn from it and get better or let it sink you. We choose to improve every day,” he stated, outlining a vision of Querétaro as a family-friendly, welcoming destination for soccer fans.
As the final whistle blew and fans filed out into the Querétaro night, there was a palpable sense that something meaningful had shifted. Mexico’s resounding win over Iceland was more than just a friendly—it was a celebration of local talent, a demonstration of organizational resilience, and a signal that both El Tri and Querétaro are ready for bigger challenges ahead.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming and further friendlies against top-tier opposition like Portugal and Belgium on the horizon, Mexico’s preparations are gathering momentum. For Querétaro, the successful hosting of this match marks another step in its journey toward soccer relevance. The city, the club, and the fans can look forward with renewed hope and pride, knowing that on this night, they were at the heart of Mexican football’s future.