Mexico faced Japan in Oakland, California, on Saturday night in an effort to face bigger tests and higher-quality players before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The countdown for the World Cup is underway, and with 277 days left to prepare, Mexico have lined up some major opponents to have the best possible chance at the competition.
El Tri come into the Autumn fixtures having lifted the Concacaf Gold Cup, and kickstart their tournament preparations with an Asian double-header against Japan and South Korea.
In October, Javier Aguirre's men will take on Ecuador and Colombia, with the latter having just qualified for the World Cup, whilst the former still have an outside chance of representing South America.
All the excitement comes for November as the Estadio Azteca is set to reopen following 12 months of reconstruction. To welcome the highly-anticipated return, the national team will host Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portuguese teammates in a friendly, whilst their second opponent of the month yet to be confirmed.
Mexico 0-0 Japan: A familiar lineup
Javier Aguirre picked a familiar lineup as Club América's Luis Malagón got the nod between the sticks as César Montes and Johan Vasqúez partnered in the heart of defence with Jorge Sánchez and Jesús Gallardo on either side.
The absence of Gilberto Mora and Elías Montiel saw Orbellín Pineda return to the starting lineup, whilst Marcel Ruiz and Edson Álvarez featured in the centre. In attack, Aguirre went for Alexis Vega and Chivas' Roberto Alvarado to feature with Raul Jimenéz.
Mexico 0-0 Japan: A goalless affair
The scoreline tells the story of a game where two sides struggled to test the opposing goalkeeper.
Japan already confirmed their spot in the World Cup, doing so in style with big wins over Indonesia and Bahrain.
With Mexico fresh off their Gold Cup triumph and Japan preparing for the World Cup, this clash promised to be an exciting preview. Instead, with just three shots on target across the 90 minutes, it fell short of expectations.
Beyond the lack of attacking opportunities, the game gives Aguirre further headaches considering captain Álvarez was forced off through injury with the first 30 minutes, picking up a similar hamstring injury which plagued the Fenerbahce loanee over the summer.
Mexico were also reduced to ten men late on when Montes hauled down Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, who was through on goal with a clear chance to snatch victory for Japan.
It might not have been the game Mexican fans were hoping for, but it remains a valuable stalemate against a Japanese side that will set its sights on going far into next summer's World Cup.
Next up for El Tri is a meeting with South Korea on Tuesday 9th September, 19:00 CST at the Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennesse.
What did you make of Mexico's performance against Japan? Let us know!