Football World Cup: The Mexican men’s national football team faced an unexpected setback upon their arrival in California this week, just days before their scheduled friendly against Japan. The squad, led by head coach Javier Aguirre, is using this international window to fine-tune preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Still, the focus briefly shifted off the field after a robbery in Oakland disrupted the team’s camp.

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According to reports from local media, thieves targeted a van belonging to the Mexican delegation late at night, breaking into the vehicle and stealing training equipment. While no personal items from players or coaches were taken, the missing gear included exercise bands, resistance equipment, and other materials essential for daily practice sessions.

Though the incident did not affect matchday items like uniforms, cleats, or balls, it created an unwelcome distraction during what was expected to be a smooth buildup to Saturday’s clash with Japan.

The theft also affected employees of media outlets traveling with the team. Journalists from Claro Sports reportedly had their rental vehicles broken into, with several personal belongings taken.

World Cup: Prep Shaken as Mexico Squad Robbed in Oakland

The incident drew added attention when former national team winger Jürgen Damm, who currently plays for Oakland Roots SC in the USL Championship, commented on the situation, noting that Oakland has a reputation for crime and warning visiting teams to remain cautious.

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The robbery took place near the Oakland Coliseum, the venue where Mexico is set to host Japan in their first friendly of the September FIFA window. Once the home of the NFL’s Raiders and MLB’s Athletics, the Coliseum has witnessed countless iconic sporting events; however, this week it became the backdrop of an unsettling security issue for one of international football’s most followed teams.

Oakland police confirmed they are investigating the case and reviewing surveillance footage to track the culprits. While the missing equipment does not carry the same financial value as high-end gear or electronics, it plays an important role in player conditioning and recovery during intense training sessions.

Officials from the Mexican Football Federation have not yet released a formal statement, though insiders suggest that team coordinators are cooperating with local authorities to resolve the issue quickly. Despite the off-field turbulence, the Mexican squad has pressed on with preparations.

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Coach Javier Aguirre sees these two friendlies as valuable opportunities to test new players and strengthen the group ahead of next year’s competitive fixtures. His roster for the September window included a mix of experienced internationals and surprising call-ups designed to expand depth in key positions.

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Goalkeepers Luis Malagón of Club América, Raúl Rangel of Chivas, and Carlos Moreno of Pachuca form the trio between the posts. The defensive line includes a mix of Europe-based players and Liga MX talent:

Jorge Sánchez (Cruz Azul), Rodrigo Huescas (Copenhagen), César Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), Jesús Orozco Chiquete (Cruz Azul), Mateo Chávez (AZ Alkmaar), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Juan José Sánchez Purata (Tigres UANL).

In midfield, Aguirre called on established leaders like Edson Álvarez, now plying his trade at Fenerbahce, alongside Orbelín Pineda of AEK Athens and Carlos Rodríguez of Cruz Azul. Rising stars Marcel Ruiz (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), and Erick Sánchez (América) round out the central options.

Up front, Mexico will rely on a balanced mix of creativity and power. The attack features Santiago Giménez, recently transferred to AC Milan, along with Fulham’s veteran striker Raúl Jiménez.

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Supporting them are Hirving Lozano of San Diego FC, Diego Lainez (Tigres), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Germán Berterame (Monterrey), Alexis Vega (Toluca), and versatile winger Carlos Moreno.

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Japan, meanwhile, arrives in California with a squad stacked with talent from Europe’s top leagues. Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma, AS Monaco’s Takumi Minamino, Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo headline a side that has grown into one of Asia’s most formidable footballing forces.

Their participation ensures that Saturday’s encounter at the Coliseum will be played at a high level, providing both sides with a serious test. Mexico’s schedule continues after the Japan fixture, as El Tri travels east to face South Korea on September 9 at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee.

The South Korean squad will also be near full strength, featuring Bayern Munich’s commanding defender Kim Min-jae and national captain Son Heung-min, who recently joined LAFC. The back-to-back friendlies give Mexico a chance to measure itself against two of Asia’s best teams, both of whom are expected to make significant impacts at the 2026 World Cup.

Football World Cup Tickets: Mexico Strengthens with Friendlies

Kickoff times for Mexico’s matches are set for September 6 at 10:00 PM ET (8:00 PM Mexico City) against Japan and September 9 at 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM Mexico City) against South Korea. Both games are expected to draw large crowds, particularly the Oakland fixture, given the region’s strong Mexican-American community.

For Aguirre, these matches serve as more than simple warm-ups. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, expectations are high for El Tri to deliver a deep run on home soil.

The friendlies in California and Tennessee are part of a broader strategy to test different combinations, identify potential weaknesses, and introduce fresh talent to the senior national team environment.

Although the robbery incident in Oakland has cast an unexpected shadow over the week, it is unlikely to derail Mexico’s broader objectives. The focus now shifts firmly back to the pitch, where Aguirre and his players will aim to demonstrate progress against two of Asia’s strongest national sides.

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FAQs

1. Why was the Mexican national team in Oakland, California?
The Mexican national team traveled to Oakland to prepare for their friendly match against Japan as part of the September FIFA international window. These friendlies help Mexico test players and tactics ahead of the Football World Cup 2026.

2. What happened to the Mexican team before the Japan friendly?
Just days before the match, thieves broke into a team van in Oakland and stole training equipment. While no personal belongings or matchday gear were taken, the incident disrupted preparations briefly.

3. Who are Mexico’s opponents in the September friendlies?
Mexico will face Japan on September 6 at the Oakland Coliseum and South Korea on September 9 at GEODIS Park in Nashville. Both teams bring star players, making these fixtures high-level tests.

4. Why are these friendlies important for Mexico’s World Cup journey?
The friendlies give coach Javier Aguirre a chance to try new players, evaluate team depth, and prepare strategies. With the Football World Cup 2026 being co-hosted by Mexico, expectations are high for a strong tournament performance.

5. Where can fans buy Football World Cup 2026 tickets?
Fans can purchase official and premium Football World Cup 2026 tickets at worldwideticketsandhospitality.com, which offers secure booking and access to the best seats, including group stage, semi-final, and FIFA World Cup Final tickets.