Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over Ghana in a friendly at Cuauhtemoc Stadium in Puebla, generating an electric atmosphere ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Although Puebla is not among Mexico's host cities for the World Cup, fans in green jerseys created a passionate environment throughout the match.
Mexican waves rippled across the stands, despite empty sections closed under FIFA sanctions related to past racist chants by the national team's supporters.
Brian Gutierrez opened the scoring in the second minute with a curling shot from the edge of the box, energizing the hosts. Liga MX prodigy Gil Mora, 19, hit the post in the first half, while Alexis Vega had a goal disallowed for offside just before halftime.
"He is a different player, we always say that," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said of Mora, who made his first national team appearance since November after returning from injury. "He is brave, direct, explosive. That gives us great joy because he is Mexican and has come back without pain."
Ghana, with newly appointed coach Carlos Queiroz absent and assistants directing from the bench, nearly equalized early in the second half, forcing two saves from Mexico's goalkeeper and hitting the crossbar. However, substitute Guillermo Martinez sealed the visitors' fate in the 54th minute, finishing from a counterattack to double the lead.
Coach Aguirre used the friendly to continue evaluating players before announcing his final World Cup squad on June 1. European-based players such as Luis Chavez, Edson Alvarez, and Jorge Sanchez entered in the second half after recently joining the training camp.
"Their effort and maximum dedication, for me, is already valuable," Aguirre said of players competing for spots in the final roster. "Choosing the team is not easy; it's the most complex part of my job. I try to consider every possible scenario with my coaching staff."
