Nestor de la Torre, Femexfut’s National Team Directror, outlined a very ambitious world cup preparation schedule for Mexico’s national team. A litany of friendlies has been scheduled. Mexico will play 12 friendlies, 6 of them against other world cup participants, as they get ready for the vuvuzuela nest that will be Soccer City in June. Among the scheduled friendlies are tilts with England, Holland, Italy, and Portugal. Mexican fans will send off the Tri on their journey with a game at the Azteca vs. Chile. Bolivia, Ecuador, New Zealand, Senegal, Iceland, and 2 TBDs round out the schedule.

In addition to the friendlies, Mexico will start training the locals for the cup in mid-April in Valle del Bravo before heading back to the National Team center in Mexico City. The team will set off to Europe for training at the Adidas complex in mid-May, and then make the final leg of the journey to South Africa on June 4.

It is a little disappointing that Mexico will use the only official FIFA friendly date to play New Zealand, but their European schedule more than makes up for it. Mexico will play in Pasadena, San Francisco, the new Giants Stadium (Mexico christened Jerry World, and now they get to do the same to New Giants Stadium), Charlotte, Chicago, and Houston to complete their 6-game contractual obligation with SUM. Jorge Ramos stated last week on his radio show that the May game at Reliant could well be against the US. We’ll see.

Friendly Schedule

2-24-Bolivia – San Francisco
3-3 – New Zealand — Pasadena
3-17 TBD — Mexico
3-24 Iceland — Charlotte
5-7 Ecuador – Meadowlands
5-10 Senegal – Chicago
5-13 TBD – Houston
5-16 Chile – Estadio Azteca
5-24 England – Wembley
5-26 Holland – TBD
5-30 Portugal (yet to be confirmed) – TBD
6-3 Italy — Belgium