The United States Men’s National Team kicked off the international window with a 2-0 win over Panama, displaying an offensive threat that has been lacking in previous matchups against the Central American opponent. Next up on the agenda is a clash with Mexico, providing a quality test for both teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The match will take place at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico, the first friendly between the two nations south of the border since 2012. This will mark the 78th meeting between the two teams, with Mexico holding the upper hand historically but the USMNT currently enjoying a seven-match unbeaten streak.
Mexico, ranked 17th by FIFA, has had a challenging year with losses in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals and an early exit from the Copa América. Former player and manager Javier Aguirre has been brought in to lead the team, with Rafael Márquez as his assistant.
The Mexican squad features a mix of domestic and international players, with some notable absences due to injury. The team will likely line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with a focus on a compact defense and quick counter-attacks.
Key players for Mexico include goalkeeper Luis Malagón, defenders César Montes and Johan Vásquez, midfielders Luis Romo and Orbelín Pineda, and forwards César Huerta and Roberto Alvarado.
Overall, Mexico will be looking to test their younger talents against the USMNT, while also building towards future tournaments. It promises to be an intriguing matchup between the two rivals.
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**GOALKEEPERS (3):**
– Guillermo Ochoa (AVS)
– Luis Malagón (América)
– Raúl Rangel (Guadalajara)
**DEFENDERS (7):**
– César Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow)
– Jorge Sánchez (Cruz Azul)
– Johan Vásquez (Genoa)
– Jesús Angulo (UANL)
– Jesús Orozco (Guadalajara)
– Bryan González (Pachuca)
– Rodrigo Huescas (Copenhagen)
**MIDFIELDERS (12):**
– Andrés Guardado (León)
– Edson Álvarez (West Ham United)
– Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens)
– Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul)
– Luis Romo (Cruz Azul)
– Roberto Alvarado (Guadalajara)
– Diego Lainez (UANL)
– Sebastián Córdova (UANL)
– Ozziel Herrera (UANL)
– Marcel Ruiz (Toluca)
– Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders)
– Érik Lira (Cruz Azul)
**FORWARDS (5):**
– Raúl Jiménez (Fulham)
– Alexis Vega (Toluca)
– César Huerta (UNAM)
– Guillermo Martínez (UNAM)
– Germán Berterame (Monterrey)
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Projected Mexico Starting XI:
Mexico’s clash with the United States will provide an opportunity for players like Luis Malagón and César Montes to shine, as they look to challenge their rivals on the field. The matchup promises to be an exciting one for fans of both teams.
