Mexico heads into the Concacaf Gold Cup in good spirits after defeating an exciting European nation.
Javier Aguirre's side started with a 4-2 loss against Switzerland, but there were some positives to take from the game. Just one goal separated the sides until Santiago Giménez's equaliser brought the two teams level, until the Swiss regained the lead after the hour mark, but two goals against a nation that has reached the knockout rounds in four of the last five FIFA World Cups has value.
Next up was a meeting with Turkey, a country overflowing with talent, led by the likes of Real Madrid playmaker Arda Güler, Benfica striker Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Juventus' Kenan Yıldız. Despite the talent on display, El Trí kept them at bay. Fans were particularly captivated by the performance of Toluca midfielder Marcel Ruiz, who was heavily influential at both ends of the pitch.
The decisive goal came moments before halftime as AEK Athens' Orbellín Pineda, whose quick feet managed to create space and fire beyond the outstretched Berke Ozer.
Gold Cup - What to expect?
Mexico begin their defence of the title against the Dominican Republic, who have suffered just one defeat in their last 11 games. Despite their recent record, the Caribbean nation remains underdogs, as Mexico are heavily favoured to get off to a flyer before facing Suriname and Costa Rica to complete their group stage matches.
Plenty of expectation is on Mexico, who display an exciting blend of youth and experience to win a record-breaking tenth Gold Cup title.
Not many around the world offer a striking partnership as in-form as Aguirre's side, with Santiago Giménez and Raúl Jiménez finding the back of the net 34 times across Europe's most established leagues.
Even down the flanks, Mexico has had some noticeably in-form stars, with newly crowned Liga MX champion Alexis Vega playing a pivotal role with 32 goal contributions throughout the season as César Huerta earned a move to Anderlecht in Belgium off the back of an impressive Apertura campaign with Pumas.
Who will start?
The questions remain over which side Aguirre will lineup for the opening game against the Dominican Republic, but the win against Turkey has given us a good insight.
The 66-year-old dropped Chivas' Raúl Rángel in favour of Club América's Luís Malagón as the backline comprised of Jorge Sánchez, Cesar Montes, Israel Reyes, and Jesús Gallardo. Whilst there's cause to suggest that Genoa's Johan Vásquez could rejoin Montes at the heart of defence, reforming a partnership that was so fruitful for Mexico when they won the Concacaf Nations League back in March.
In midfield, the only certainty is that national team captain Edson Álvarez will maintain his position, but it's still a mystery as to who will accompany him in the central position. Marcel Ruiz made a strong impression against Turkey, but Carlos Rodríguez is often a popular choice. There's even a case that Pineda, who scored the winner against Turkey, could be vying for that position, whilst Luis Chávez came off the bench in that game.
While he's not expected to start, keep an eye out for Tijuana's 16-year-old Gilberto Mora. An attacking midfielder who has been on the radar of some major European clubs following his influential role for Los Xolos this season, where he scored twice for the side in the Clausura.
Keep dates
Here's all you need to know about Mexico's fixtures, when and where they will be held:
Saturday 14th June, 2025, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood (8:15 CST)
Mexico vs Dominican Republic
Wednesday 18th June, 2025, AT&T Stadium, Arlington (8:00 CST)
Mexico vs Suriname
Sunday 22nd June, 2025, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas (8:00 CST)
Mexico vs Costa Rica
If Mexico manage to get all the way to the final, they will be heading to the NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday 7th July 2025.
Can Mexico go all the way and lift a record-breaking tenth Concacaf Gold Cup? Let us know!