Mexico draw 1-1 with Belgium in Chicago ahead of World Cup

March 31 : Mexico and Belgium played out a 1-1 draw in a friendly at Soldier Field on Tuesday, capping off their final warm-up matches before finalising their 26-man World Cup squads.

Mexico dominated possession in the first half and took the lead in the 19th minute when Jorge Sanchez scored at a corner, slotting the ball home while falling backwards.

Belgium responded immediately after the break when Dodi Lukebakio seized on a gap in the Mexican defence to unleash a powerful strike from distance to equalize in the 46th minute.

Both teams made a host of substitutions in the second half to give players an opportunity to stake their claim for a place in the squad.

Belgium, who thrashed the United States 5-2 in their previous outing, next play Croatia on June 2 while Mexico face Ghana in a friendly on May 22.

The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and is being co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.