SOCCER: Mexico draw 1-1 with Belgium in Chicago ahead of World Cup

Mexico and Belgium played to a 1-1 draw in a friendly match at Soldier Field on Tuesday, marking their final warm-up games before finalizing their 26-man World Cup squads.

Mexico controlled possession in the first half and took the lead in the 19th minute when Jorge Sanchez scored from a corner, slotting the ball home while falling backward.

Belgium responded right after the break, with Dodi Lukebakio exploiting a gap in the Mexican defense to unleash a powerful long-range strike that leveled the score in the 46th minute.

Both teams made several substitutions in the second half, giving players the chance to impress ahead of the World Cup.

Belgium, who had previously defeated the United States 5-2, will face Croatia on June 2, while Mexico will take on Ghana in a friendly on May 22.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Reporting by Rory Carroll in Long Beach, California; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters