A historic first-ever Gold Cup quarterfinal is set between Concacaf powerhouse Mexico and Asian giants Saudi Arabia. This intercontinental matchup marks Saudi Arabia`s debut appearance as a guest team in the knockout stages, adding an exciting element to the regional championship.
For Mexico, the pressure is significant. El Tri are widely considered heavy favorites, not just to win this match, but to go on and claim their ninth Gold Cup title. However, their path through the group stage has been somewhat challenging, with narrow victories and a recent scoreless draw against Costa Rica in their final group game.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia enters the quarterfinals with everything to gain and nothing to lose. They aim to build upon their performance in the 2022 World Cup and demonstrate that their invitation to the Gold Cup is well-deserved. With a spot in the semifinals at stake and national pride on the line, this unprecedented clash between two distinct footballing cultures is poised to deliver drama, intensity, and potentially unforgettable moments in Gold Cup history.
How to Watch and Odds
- Date: Saturday, June 28
- Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
- Location: State Farm Stadium — Glendale, Arizona
- TV: FS1
- Live stream: Check local listings or streaming services
- Odds: Mexico -230; Draw +315; Saudi Arabia +655
Last Meeting
Mexico has maintained an undefeated record against Saudi Arabia in their six previous encounters. Their most recent match occurred in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, where Mexico secured a 2-1 victory. The goals were scored by Henry Martín and Luis Chávez. However, both players are not part of the current Gold Cup squad. Despite the win, both teams were ultimately eliminated from the World Cup group stage, with Mexico narrowly missing out due to goal difference.
Predicted Lineups
Mexico: Luis Malagon; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Roberto Alvarado, Edson Alvarez, Marcel Ruiz, Alexis Vega; Santiago Gimenez, Raul Jimenez
Saudi Arabia: Nawaf Alaqidi; Ali Majrashi, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Madu, Boushal; Abdulrahmid, Ali, Al-Aboud; Al-Ahehri, Al-Buraikan, Al-Sahafi
Player to Watch
Raul Jimenez, Mexico: While other players, like Cesar Montes, have been significant goal threats (especially from set pieces), Montes is unavailable due to yellow card accumulation. This shifts the focus onto Raul Jimenez to lead the attack and find the back of the net for El Tri.
Feras Al-Brikan, Saudi Arabia: As a player with considerable international experience (leading the roster in caps) on a team missing some key names due to club commitments, Al-Brikan is a crucial figure. He is second in goals scored for the current squad and has been active in the tournament, leading the team in shots.
Storylines to Watch
Favorites vs. Underdog Guests: Saudi Arabia advanced from Group D as runners-up, securing four points from a win against Haiti and a draw with Trinidad & Tobago. Their success continues a trend of Asian confederation teams performing well in the Gold Cup, with four of five participating teams reaching the knockout stage. Saudi Arabia will look to continue their impressive debut run.
Mexico is aiming to be the first nation to win consecutive Gold Cup titles since they last achieved the feat in 2009 and 2011. After a period where they won only one of five Concacaf trophies between 2021 and 2024, Mexico currently holds both major Concacaf titles, having won the Nations League in March and the 2023 Gold Cup.
Prediction
This quarterfinal promises an interesting tactical contrast. Mexico is likely to employ a possession-heavy, attacking approach, while Saudi Arabia is expected to focus on disciplined defensive organization and dangerous counterattacks. The outcome may depend on whether Mexico`s midfield and forwards can break down a potentially resilient Saudi defense or if the speed of the Asian side`s wingers can exploit any vulnerabilities in Mexico`s backline.
Predicted Score: Mexico 1, Saudi Arabia 0
