Toluca, Mexico — Mexico’s national team thrashed Serbia 5-1 on Thursday in their final warm-up match before the 2026 World Cup, sending a strong message ahead of their tournament debut against South Africa.
Playing at the Estadio Nemesio Diez, the team fell behind early after Petar Stanic scored for Serbia in the 19th minute. But Mexico responded with a dominant attacking display, scoring five unanswered goals.
Johan Vasquez equalized in the 34th minute with a header, and an own goal by Stefan Bukinac just before halftime put Mexico ahead. Raul Jimenez extended the lead in the 57th minute, matching Jared Borgetti as Mexico’s second all-time leading scorer with 46 goals. Another own goal, this time by Adem Avdic, made it 4-1 in the 72nd minute, and Luis Chavez capped the scoring with a long-range strike in the 90th minute.
Manager Javier Aguirre praised the team’s growth but urged caution ahead of the World Cup. “We showed character after going behind, but we must stay calm and avoid overconfidence,” he said.
Mexico will face South Africa on June 11 in their Group A opener.
