2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Match Preview: Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia

Match Context & Stakes

Mexico, nine-time Gold Cup champions, topped Group A with 7 points, defeating the Dominican Republic and Suriname before a goalless draw with Costa Rica. Under manager Javier Aguirre, El Tri are unbeaten in the tournament and boast the best defensive record in the group stage. Saudi Arabia, the tournament’s invited guest, advanced as Group D runners-up behind the United States. They edged Haiti 1–0, lost narrowly to the USMNT, and drew 1–1 with Trinidad and Tobago to secure their spot in the knockout stage. This is the first-ever Gold Cup meeting between the two nations and a rematch of their 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage encounter.

🇲🇽 Mexico – Team Preview

Group Stage Results

3–2 vs Dominican Republic

2–0 vs Suriname

0–0 vs Costa Rica

Key Players

Raúl Jiménez: Veteran striker with 3 goals in the group stage

Julian Quiñones: Naturalized forward offering pace and power

Edson Álvarez: Midfield anchor and defensive leader

Luis Malagón (GK): 2 clean sheets in 3 matches

Tactical Notes

4-4-2 formation with wide play from Alexis Vega and Roberto Alvarado

Emphasis on possession and high pressing

Strong set-piece execution

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia – Team Preview

Group Stage Results

1–0 vs Haiti

0–1 vs United States

1–1 vs Trinidad and Tobago

Key Players

Firas Al-Buraikan: Leading scorer and focal point in attack

Ali Al-Hassan: Box-to-box midfielder with high work rate

Saud Abdulhamid: Overlapping right-back with attacking instincts

Nawaf Al-Aqidi (GK): Reliable shot-stopper with quick reflexes

Tactical Notes

4-3-3 formation under Hervé Renard

Compact defensive shape with counter-attacking transitions

Lacks depth due to absences from Club World Cup commitments

Head-to-Head & Stats

Stat	Mexico	Saudi Arabia
FIFA Ranking (June 2025)	14	56
Gold Cup Titles	9	0 (debut)
Group Stage Goals	5	2
Goals Conceded	2	2
Last Meeting	Mexico 2–1 Saudi Arabia (2022 World Cup)

Mexico has never lost to Saudi Arabia in five previous meetings (4W, 1D).

El Tri’s experience, depth, and defensive solidity should carry them past a spirited but limited Saudi side. Expect Mexico to control possession and capitalize on set pieces.

MATCH ODDS

Mexico – 230                      Draw + 340                         Saudi Arabia + 700

Over 2.5 + 105                  Under 2.5 – 135

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 27, 2025