Mexico Falls 1-2 to Paraguay in Friendly, Extends Winless Streak to Six Games
When Raúl Jiménez stepped up to take the penalty in the 80th minute of a tense international friendly, the crowd at Estadio Azteca held its breath. He buried it. 1-1. Relief. Then, silence. Because within minutes, Paraguay struck with what broadcasters called "un golazo" — a stunning, impossible finish that turned celebration into groans. Mexico lost 2-1 on November 19, 2025, extending their winless run to six straight matches, and the boos that rained down from the stands weren’t just noise — they were a reckoning.
Another Night, Another Missed Opportunity
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Mexico entered the match as the host, the favorite, the team with the most World Cup appearances in CONCACAF. But the performance was disjointed. Defensive gaps yawned open. Midfielders looked lost. Even when they pressed, they couldn’t sustain it. The commentary from Layvtime said it plainly: "Nunca se logró acomodar en defensa la selección mexicana." The Mexican team never settled defensively. And that’s the story of this entire stretch. The opening goal came from Paraguay’s relentless counter. A swift break, a low cross, and a well-placed finish past Malagón, who otherwise had a solid night. Mexico responded with urgency. Around the 75th minute, Pineta darted into the box, got clipped by a sliding defender, and the referee pointed to the spot. The crowd erupted. This was their moment. Jiménez, 34, cool as ever, took the kick. No hesitation. The ball kissed the top corner. 1-1. Jiménez raised his arms. The stadium roared. But the Fox Deportes broadcast captured something else — his face. Not joy. Not relief. A grimace. "He is not happy obviously," the commentator noted. "After you score, you are... very effective." He knew. The team still wasn’t right.The Decisive Moment: A Goal That Will Haunt
The winner came in the 87th minute. Paraguay’s winger cut inside from the left, feinted past two defenders with a move so sharp it looked rehearsed, and unleashed a curling shot that kissed the post before nestling into the net. The goal was described as "un golazo" — a thing of beauty, a moment of individual brilliance that exposed Mexico’s fragility. No set piece. No lucky bounce. Just pure, clinical execution under pressure. That’s the cruel irony. Mexico had chances. Gilberto Mora headed wide from point-blank range. Johan Vázquez battled for every ball, but without support, his effort was isolated. Eric tried to dance his way through the defense with feints, but the final pass never came. And then there was Malagón — making a critical stop in the 89th minute to deny what would have been a 3-1 result. He was one of the few who didn’t let the team down.Jiménez’s Quiet Legacy
Even in defeat, Jiménez remains the emotional anchor. His penalty was his eighth goal of 2025, pushing him closer to the all-time Mexican national team scoring record. He’s now just three goals behind Jared Borgetti. At 34, with his club career in decline, he’s become the quiet face of a generation in transition. The commentary noted: "Raúl Jiménez sumó a la cuota rumbo al ser el máximo goleador histórico del cuadro nacional." He’s adding to the tally on his way to becoming the top scorer. But this isn’t about stats. It’s about leadership. The Fox Deportes crew called him a "veteran" who "creates a situation by himself." That’s the truth. When Mexico has no rhythm, he still finds ways to threaten. Yet, he’s carrying a team that looks increasingly directionless.
A Team in Transition, A Qualifier on the Horizon
This match was billed as a friendly. But it felt like a dress rehearsal for disaster. Mexico is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States — and they’re already in crisis mode. Their last win? Over a month ago. Their last clean sheet? Two months back. And now, they’ve lost to Paraguay, a team they’ve historically dominated. Paraguay, meanwhile, is in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, with fixtures against Colombia on March 26, 2025, and Chile on March 20, 2025. This match was clearly part of their preparation — a tactical test against a familiar style. But for Mexico? It was a wake-up call. The debut of Gonzalez — referred to as "the end man" in the broadcast — was a glimmer of hope. But one debut doesn’t fix a system. The midfield lacked control. The fullbacks were exposed. The coach’s substitutions came too late, too reactive.What’s Next? The Road to 2026
Mexico’s next official match is a CONCACAF Nations League fixture in early December. But the real test comes in March 2026, when World Cup qualifying resumes. They need to fix their defense. They need to find a midfield engine. And they need to stop relying on Jiménez to carry them. The fans booed because they remember when this team won with flair. When they played with purpose. Now, they play with panic. And that’s the real danger.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mexico losing so many games despite having talented players?
Mexico’s issues stem from inconsistent tactical structure and poor midfield cohesion. While stars like Raúl Jiménez and new talents like Gonzalez show promise, the team lacks a clear playing identity. Defenders are often left exposed, and transitions between defense and attack are slow. The coaching staff has rotated formations across six straight matches, creating confusion rather than chemistry.
Is Raúl Jiménez still the best option for Mexico’s attack?
Yes — but not as a lone striker. Jiménez remains Mexico’s most reliable finisher, with eight goals in 2025 and 51 total international goals. His ability to hold up play and convert penalties is unmatched. However, he needs support. The team’s failure to create consistent chances around him is the problem, not his performance. He’s the last link in a broken chain.
What does this loss mean for Mexico’s World Cup 2026 qualification chances?
It’s a warning, not a death sentence. Mexico still holds automatic qualification as a co-host, but their performance in the CONCACAF qualifiers will determine seeding and confidence. A winless streak this long raises questions about their ability to compete against stronger teams like the U.S. or Canada. If they don’t improve defensively by March 2026, they risk early exits even as hosts.
Why was this match labeled as World Cup Qualifier content if Mexico isn’t in CONMEBOL?
Broadcasters sometimes mislabel friendlies as qualifiers for SEO or historical context, especially when teams from different confederations play. Paraguay was preparing for its CONMEBOL qualifiers, so media outlets tied the match to that narrative. But FIFA officially classifies this as an international friendly. Mexico’s actual qualifiers begin in March 2026 under CONCACAF rules.
Who is Gonzalez, and why was his debut significant?
Gonzalez, whose full name isn’t confirmed in reports, made his international debut as a forward in this match. He played the final 20 minutes and showed glimpses of pace and movement. His appearance signals Mexico’s attempt to inject youth into a squad dominated by veterans. If he develops, he could be a key player in the 2026 campaign — but one appearance doesn’t define his future.
Why did fans boo at Estadio Azteca — isn’t that unusual?
Booing at Estadio Azteca is rare — it’s one of the most passionate and loyal fanbases in world football. But after six winless games, including losses to Jamaica and Canada in recent months, the frustration has boiled over. Fans aren’t booing the players — they’re booing the lack of progress. This isn’t about one match. It’s about a decade of missed potential and unmet expectations.
