The Mexican national football team, led by coach Javier Aguirre, is set to face La Liga side Valencia in a friendly match in Puebla, marking a unique matchup as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Aguirre emphasized the importance of evaluating player performance, ensuring that all called-up players will see at least some game time, especially after a disappointing Copa America exit. Key players like Raúl Jiménez and Guillermo Ochoa are returning to the squad, with Jiménez expressing his commitment to making an impact as he eyes a World Cup spot. The friendly against Valencia, while seen as a necessary opportunity for Mexico, has faced criticism from fans questioning its value amid ongoing struggles for the club. Valencia aims to use the match for fitness and fan engagement, despite a poor start to their season. Mexico's upcoming match against the U.S. National Team is anticipated to be more significant as they seek to end a winless streak against their northern rivals.