Monterrey's 2026 FIFA Legends match on Jan. 17 reunites global greats vs. Mexico icons. For bettors, Mexico's cohesion and home advantage make a home-side or both-teams-to-score wager sensible, while the high-profile attackers increase appeal for over 2.5 goals and individual shot/goal props in a 60-minute exhibition.
FIFA Legends Game 2026: Monterrey to Host Star-Studded Charity Match
A star-packed charity fixture will headline Monterrey on Jan. 17, 2026, as a team of international football legends takes on a side of former Mexico internationals. The 60-minute exhibition at Estadio BBVA aims to stir excitement for the 2026 World Cup and showcase iconic names from recent football history in a fan-focused spectacle.
Match Overview
Organized by the Monterrey Host Committee, the FIFA Legends Game reunites recently retired stars and all-time greats in a short-format match designed for entertainment and charitable causes. Expect a relaxed, attack-minded contest that prioritizes moments for the crowd over tactical conservatism. A halftime performance by Mexican DJ Mariana Bo will accompany the event.
When and Where
Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 Local kickoff: 7:00 p.m. Monterrey (Estadio BBVA) Approximate international kickoffs: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT (USA/Canada), 1:00 a.m. GMT (UK, Jan. 18), 6:30 a.m. IST (India, Jan. 18), 12:00 p.m. AEDT (Australia, Jan. 18)
Legends Roster (Notable Names)
Gareth Bale — Wales, 36 — Tottenham, Real Madrid Cafu — Brazil, 55 — São Paulo, AC Milan, AS Roma Iker Casillas — Spain, 44 — Real Madrid Alessandro Del Piero — Italy, 51 — Juventus Didier Drogba — Ivory Coast, 47 — Chelsea Rio Ferdinand — England, 47 — Manchester United Mats Hummels — Germany, 37 — Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich Marco Materazzi — Italy, 52 — Inter Milan Pepe — Portugal, 42 — Real Madrid, Porto Robert Pires — France, 52 — Arsenal Carles Puyol — Spain, 47 — Barcelona Franck Ribéry — France, 42 — Bayern Munich Paul Scholes — England, 51 — Manchester United Francesco Totti — Italy, 49 — AS Roma Christian Vieri — Italy, 52 — Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Juventus
Mexico Legends Squad
Andrés Guardado — 39 — PSV, Deportivo La Coruña, Real Betis Jared Borgetti — 52 — Santos Laguna Luis "El Matador" Hernández — 57 — Necaxa, Tigres, LA Galaxy, Club América Luis Roberto Alves — 58 — Club América, Necaxa Miguel Layún — 37 — Club América, Porto, Monterrey, Watford, Villarreal Oribe Peralta — 42 — Santos Laguna, Club América, Monterrey Francisco Palencia — 52 — Cruz Azul, Pumas, Chivas Guadalajara Marco Fabián — 36 — Chivas Guadalajara, Eintracht Frankfurt, Philadelphia Union Sinha — 49 — Toluca Óscar Pérez — 52 — Cruz Azul, Pachuca
Broadcast and Access
The FIFA Legends Game will be available via FIFA+ globally. The match is presented as a charitable exhibition and a celebration of football's recent icons rather than a competitive qualifier or official international fixture.
Betting Angles and Match Expectations
The short, exhibition format and attacking profiles on both sides point to an entertaining, open game. Local cohesion favors the Mexico side for a strong team display; meanwhile, the legends' attacking talent supports goals-focused markets. Punters may consider backing Mexico or both teams to score, and exploring markets like over 2.5 goals or player-specific props (shots on target, anytime scorers) for high-profile attackers.
Tickets, travel and Trump: How the 2026 World Cup is shaping up six months from the final
With the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be held across North America as the first of its kind to feature 48 teams, one host committee is gearing up for the 2026 summer classic in a unique manner.
Sporting News
