Mexico rout Serbia 5-1 in final World Cup warmup

Mexico, the host nation and South Korea's second group-stage opponent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scored five goals in their final warmup match to cap their pre-tournament preparations with a commanding victory.

Mexico defeated Serbia 5-1 in a come-from-behind friendly at Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca on Friday.

The hosts closed out their last match before the World Cup with a win, sending a statement ahead of the tournament.

The result extended Mexico's unbeaten run in 2026 to eight matches — six wins and two draws — including three consecutive victories.

Played at an altitude of 2,600 meters, the match got off to a difficult start for Mexico when Serbia broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Mexico responded quickly, with Yoan Vasquez heading home from a corner kick in the 34th minute to level the score.

Mexico then took the lead in first-half stoppage time through an own goal. Serbia defender Stefan Bukinac's backpass to his goalkeeper was too firm and too well-directed toward goal, rolling straight into the net.

The luck continued for Mexico after the break. Julian Quiñones struck the post in the 57th minute, and the ball ricocheted off Raul Jimenez, who was standing in front of goal, to make it 3-1.

Mexico extended their lead in the 72nd minute with another own goal. Alexis Vega whipped a corner kick hard across the face of goal, and Serbia defender Adem Abdic's attempted clearance went straight in.

Luis Chavez put the finishing touch on the victory with a powerful left-footed strike in the 90th minute, completing a dominant 5-1 win.

Mexico open the World Cup against South Africa at 4 a.m. on June 12 before facing South Korea in their second group-stage match at 10 a.m. on June 19.

“주식하다 망했다” 박정수 투자 실패…“삼전 8만원에 샀다 500만원 남겨”

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