Mexico defeated Ghana 2-0 in a World Cup warm-up match in Puebla as the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts continued preparations despite FIFA sanctions affecting attendance at the stadium.
Goals from Brian Gutiérrez and Guillermo Martínez secured the win for Mexico in front of a reduced crowd at Puebla’s Cuauhtémoc Stadium. FIFA had ordered partial stadium closures because of discriminatory chants by Mexican fans during previous international matches.
The Mexican Football Federation said sections of the stadium were shut in compliance with FIFA disciplinary measures tied to repeated homophobic chants directed at opposing goalkeepers. The federation has launched an anti-discrimination campaign called “Wave yes, chant no” ahead of the World Cup.
Despite the restrictions, the match was viewed as another positive sign for the North American co-hosts less than three weeks before the expanded 48-team tournament begins in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre used the game to assess players competing for final World Cup roster spots, including younger talents and returning Europe-based internationals.
For Ghana, the defeat added to concerns about form and defensive weaknesses heading into the tournament. Reports note the Black Stars have conceded heavily in recent warm-up matches against strong opposition.
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