Paraguay Stuns Mexico 2-1 in San Antonio World Cup Tune-Up at Alamodome

The Mexico national soccer team walked off the Alamodome field on Tuesday night with a bitter taste — not just from the 2-1 loss to Paraguay, but from the realization that their final 2025 tune-up for the 2026 FIFA World CupUnited States, Mexico, and Canada ended in shock. It wasn’t just the score. It was the way it happened. A VAR-confirmed goal by Antonio Sanabria, a penalty converted by Raúl Jiménez, and a goalkeeping performance that left fans wondering if Malagon was still in peak form. The match, played before 25,000 ticketed fans and a roaring walk-up crowd in San Antonio, Texas, felt less like a friendly and more like a wake-up call.

A City Ready for the World Cup

San Antonio didn’t just host a match — it hosted a preview. With 11 U.S. cities selected to host matches during the 2026 tournament, and Dallas and Houston already in the spotlight, this game was San Antonio’s chance to prove it belongs on that list. The Alamodome buzzed with chants of "¡Viva México!" and "Paraguay, campeón!" — a rare, electric blend of cultures that only international soccer can create. Organizers, led by Pablo Zarate, head of MexTour and Vice President of International Properties for Major League Soccer, expected a strong turnout. They got more than that: a city that showed it could handle the pressure of a World Cup-level event.

"This isn’t just about one game," Zarate told reporters after the match. "It’s about showing fans what’s coming next year — the energy, the passion, the scale. We’re not just preparing teams. We’re preparing communities."

The Goals That Changed Everything

The story of the night was written in two goals — one that stunned, one that silenced.

Paraguay struck first in the 32nd minute. Antonio Sanabria, the 28-year-old forward who plays for Spanish club Real Betis, chased down a long ball, outmuscled two defenders, and fired low past Malagon. The initial call was no goal — the referee waved play on. But the VAR team, reviewing the incident for potential foul play, came back with a clear verdict: "It is a clear goal. No doubt. There is no foul. They are both challenging for the ball. He doesn’t show the studs. It’s a goal for Paraguay." The Alamodome groaned, then erupted in disbelief. It was Paraguay’s first goal against Mexico in 11 meetings since 2019.

Mexico responded in the 67th minute. After a handball in the box by Paraguayan defender Óscar Romero, referee Mark Geiger pointed to the spot. Raúl Jiménez, Mexico’s veteran striker, stepped up with ice in his veins. He didn’t just score — he slammed it home, his 8th goal of 2025, a reminder that even in defeat, he remains the team’s most reliable weapon.

But the final blow came in the 83rd minute. Substitute striker Miguel Almirón, who had entered the game just 12 minutes earlier, received a perfect through ball from Ricardo Álvarez, danced around defender Jesús Gallardo, and slotted it past Malagon. The goal was simple, brutal, and perfectly timed. Mexico’s defense, which had looked shaky all night, collapsed under pressure. The final whistle blew: Paraguay 2, Mexico 1.

Why This Loss Matters More Than the Score

This wasn’t just a loss. It was a mirror.

Mexico’s midfield, once the pride of CONCACAF, looked disjointed. Young players like Uriel Antuna and Diego Lainez struggled to find rhythm. The backline, missing injured captain Héctor Moreno, relied too heavily on Malagon — who made two spectacular saves, but also looked slow to react on Sanabria’s goal. Analysts on Fox Deportes and beIN SPORTS noted that Paraguay, long seen as a team in transition, looked sharper, hungrier, and better organized.

"They’re not just playing for pride anymore," said beIN SPORTS analyst Luis García in his post-match breakdown. "Paraguay’s coaching staff has them playing with a system — compact, disciplined, lethal on counters. Mexico? They’re still trying to find their identity under new manager Jaime Lozano."

The Bigger Picture: Three Nations, One World Cup

The 2026 World Cup isn’t just another tournament. It’s history.

For the first time ever, the tournament will be hosted by three nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Sixteen cities will host matches: 11 in the U.S., 3 in Mexico (Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City), and 2 in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver). The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, with 48 teams instead of 32. And for the first time, Mexico won’t just be a host — it’ll be a contender on home soil.

That’s why this match mattered. It was a stress test. San Antonio passed. The Alamodome delivered. But Mexico? They’re still finding their footing.

What’s Next for Both Teams

Paraguay heads into December with momentum. Their next match is a friendly against Colombia on December 10 in Asunción — a chance to build on this win. Mexico, meanwhile, faces a tougher road. They’ll play a high-stakes match against Uruguay on December 14 in Miami, then begin their final World Cup camp in January. Lozano has just 100 days to fix the midfield, stabilize the defense, and rekindle the belief that this team can win on home soil.

For now, the message from San Antonio is clear: the 2026 World Cup won’t be won by reputation. It’ll be won by results. And on this night, Paraguay reminded everyone that Mexico isn’t the only team ready.