PASADENA, United States, May 31, (V7N) – Co-hosts Mexico continued their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Australia in an international friendly at the Rose Bowl near Los Angeles on Saturday.

Defender Johan Vasquez scored the only goal of the match midway through the first half, heading in an Alexis Vega corner to delight nearly 80,000 predominantly Mexican supporters packed into the historic stadium.

Mexico controlled much of the possession throughout the contest, but Australia created several dangerous counter-attacking opportunities and came close to equalising on multiple occasions.

The first major opportunity fell to Australia captain Jackson Irvine, whose effort from a loose ball drifted narrowly wide. Mexico responded with increasing attacking pressure, with goalkeeper Mathew Ryan producing a fine save to deny Alexis Vega before Vasquez eventually broke the deadlock.

Australia missed a golden chance to level just before half-time after a defensive mix-up between Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel and defender Mateo Chavez Garcia gifted possession to Mohamed Toure. However, the Norwich City striker somehow sent his effort wide with an open goal at his mercy.

The Socceroos improved significantly after the break, with Aiden O’Neill forcing a strong save from long range and substitute Ajdin Hrustic seeing a late shot blocked.

Mexico introduced veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the second half as the 40-year-old prepares for what could become his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance — a record he may share with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mexico thought they had doubled their lead late in the game when Jesus Gallardo’s strike deflected into the net, but the referee disallowed the goal as the free-kick setup had not yet been completed.

Mexico will play one final warm-up match against Serbia on Thursday before opening the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.

Mexico’s Group A opponents also include South Korea and Czech Republic, while Australia have been drawn alongside co-hosts United States, Paraguay and Turkey.

END/WD/RH/