Paraguay Edges Mexico 2-1 in Thrilling MexTour Clash at Alamodome
On a chilly November night in San Antonio, Paraguay stunned Mexico 2-1 in a dramatic international friendly at the Alamodome, sending shockwaves through a crowd of 58,402 fans — and raising urgent questions about Mexico’s readiness for home soil in the 2026 FIFA World CupNorth America. The match, held on November 18, 2025, was the 120th in the 22-year history of MexTour, and Mexico’s final appearance in Texas before hosting the world’s biggest sporting event. It wasn’t just another friendly. It was a warning.
A Match That Turned on Two Minutes
The first half was sluggish, almost sleepy. Mexico made seven changes from their last game against the U.S., and the rhythm was off. Jorge Ruvalcaba made his national team debut, but the team looked disjointed. A disallowed Paraguayan goal — controversially ruled out for offside — left fans frustrated. Then, in the 48th minute, everything changed. Antonio Sanabria, the Antonio Sanabria who plays for AS Roma but was on loan to FC Cincinnati that season, sent a curling cross into the box. Mexico’s young goalkeeper Luis Malagón leapt, fingertips brushing the ball — but not enough. It slipped past him. 1-0 Paraguay. No controversy on the goal this time. Just cold efficiency.
Then, two minutes after Mexico equalized through a Raúl Jiménez penalty — his 48th international goal, one shy of Jared Borgetti’s record — Paraguay struck again. A rebound from Malagón’s failed save found the head of Gustavo Gómez, who powered it past substitute keeper Guillermo Ochoa. The Alamodome fell silent. 2-1. The comeback attempt was on, but Mexico’s momentum had vanished.
Jiménez’s Milestone, and the Weight of History
Raúl Jiménez, 33, didn’t just score twice. He carried the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. His first penalty came after a foul on Gilberto Mora; the second after Orbelín Pineda was dragged down in the box. Both were perfect — crisp, confident, clinical. But after the second goal, the stadium didn’t erupt. It held its breath. Jiménez’s two goals tied him with Cuauhtémoc Blanco and put him within one of Borgetti’s 49. Yet, the celebration was muted. This wasn’t a triumph. It was a reminder that even heroes can’t carry a team that’s lost its way.
"We must be prepared for all the reactions of the fans," said Orbelín Pineda after the match, his voice heavy with the unspoken truth: Mexico’s fans are no longer just disappointed. They’re angry.
Who’s Leading Paraguay? And Why It Matters
Paraguay’s squad was a blend of veteran grit and rising talent. Miguel Almirón, 31, the Atlanta United star who once tormented MLS defenses, orchestrated play from midfield. Julio Enciso, 21, the dazzling Strasbourg forward, was a constant threat. And Gustavo Gómez, 32, the Palmeiras center back, was a rock — literally and figuratively. Their coach, Sergio Batista, didn’t just pick a team. He assembled a unit that knew how to win under pressure.
For Mexico, the picture was murkier. Diego Lainez, the new coach, inherited a team that’s now lost three of its last four friendlies. The defense looked brittle. The midfield lacked control. And the attack? Over-reliant on Jiménez. "At times El Tri plays regularly… but it wouldn’t be enough in a World Cup, and even less so in the one where you will be home," noted CKH.ENC.EDU in a scathing analysis. The subtext? Hosting the World Cup isn’t a gift. It’s a liability if you’re not ready.
Alamodome: Mexico’s Texas Home Away From Home
This was Mexico’s sixth match at the Alamodome since 2003 — and the first since September 2019, when they beat Argentina 2-1. The venue, located at 100 Montana St, has become a reliable stage for MexTour, drawing large Hispanic crowds and generating millions in local revenue. But this time, the atmosphere felt different. The chants were louder, the tension thicker. Fans held up signs: "¿Dónde está el equipo?" — Where is the team?
Tickets, sold through SomosLocales.com and Ticketmaster (Event ID: 3A00632CBA7A3972), sold out in under 72 hours. The demand wasn’t just for soccer. It was for hope.
What’s Next? The Road to 2026
Paraguay, now qualified for their ninth World Cup, will continue training in Europe, with friendlies scheduled against Brazil and Colombia in early 2026. Mexico? Their next match is in January 2026 — against Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Nations League. But the real test begins in March, when they face the U.S. in a crucial qualifier. If they lose that, the pressure becomes unbearable.
"This loss isn’t about one game," said former Mexican captain Rafael Márquez on ESPN Deportes. "It’s about identity. Are we the team that plays with heart? Or the team that waits for luck?"
For now, the 2026 World Cup feels less like a celebration and more like a deadline. And Mexico is running out of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this match so important for Mexico ahead of the 2026 World Cup?
This was Mexico’s final match on U.S. soil before hosting the 2026 World Cup, making it a critical test of readiness. With the team’s recent poor form — three losses in four friendlies — the result exposed defensive flaws and over-reliance on Raúl Jiménez. Experts warn that home advantage means nothing if the squad can’t compete at a high level under pressure.
How does Raúl Jiménez’s goal tally compare to Mexico’s all-time scorers?
With his two goals in this match, Jiménez reached 48 international goals, one behind Jared Borgetti’s record of 49. He’s now tied for second all-time with Cuauhtémoc Blanco. Only Javier Hernández (52 goals) sits ahead. Jiménez, at 33, may have one or two more chances to break the record — but his legacy is already secure.
What role did the Alamodome play in this match’s significance?
The Alamodome has hosted six MexTour matches since 2003, drawing some of the largest Mexican-American crowds in the U.S. This game was the first in San Antonio since 2019 and sold out in three days. The venue’s location in a major Hispanic hub makes it ideal for testing fan engagement — but also magnifies criticism when the team underperforms.
Why did Mexico make seven lineup changes from their previous match?
Coach Diego Lainez rotated heavily to evaluate young talent like Jorge Ruvalcaba and Armando González, as well as to rest key players ahead of 2026 qualifiers. But the lack of cohesion exposed a deeper issue: Mexico’s depth isn’t as strong as assumed. The substitutes didn’t elevate the game — they slowed it down.
How did Paraguay qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and what does this win mean for them?
Paraguay secured their spot in November 2025 after finishing third in CONMEBOL qualifying, their ninth World Cup appearance. This win over Mexico — a team they’ve beaten only once in the last 15 meetings — boosted morale and validated their core squad: Almirón, Enciso, and Gómez. They’re now considered dark horses for the 2026 tournament.
What’s the timeline for Mexico’s next major matches before the 2026 World Cup?
Mexico’s next official match is a January 2026 CONCACAF Nations League game against Costa Rica. Their next high-stakes fixture is a March 2026 World Cup qualifier against the United States in Columbus, Ohio. A loss there could trigger a full-scale review of the national team program — and possibly the coaching staff.