The upcoming 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinals will feature a historic first-ever meeting in the tournament between Concacaf powerhouse Mexico and prominent Asian side Saudi Arabia. This highly anticipated intercontinental clash is set to be one of the most intriguing matchups, as it marks Saudi Arabia`s debut in the knockout rounds as a guest participant and adds an exciting new dimension to the regional championship.
For the Mexican national team, the pressure is significant. El Tri enters this quarterfinal tie as heavy favorites, widely expected not only to win but to dominate as they pursue a potential ninth Gold Cup title. However, their journey through the group stage has shown some vulnerability, with matches being tighter than anticipated and culminating in a goalless draw against Costa Rica in their final group fixture.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia arrives in the quarterfinals with the freedom of an underdog, having nothing to lose and everything to gain. They aim to build upon their solid performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and demonstrate that their invitation as a guest team to the Gold Cup was well-merited. With a chance to reach the semifinals on the line and national pride at stake, this unprecedented encounter between two distinct footballing cultures promises drama, intensity, and potentially a memorable Gold Cup moment.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, June 28
- Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
- Location: State Farm Stadium — Glendale, Arizona
- TV: FS1
- Live stream: Fubo
- Odds: Mexico -230; Draw +315; Saudi Arabia +655
Head-to-Head Record
Mexico holds an undefeated record against Saudi Arabia across six previous encounters. Their most recent match was during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, where Mexico secured a 2-1 victory. Goals were scored by Henry Martín and Luis Chávez in that game; however, neither player is included in Mexico`s current Gold Cup roster. Both teams were ultimately eliminated from the World Cup in the group phase, with Mexico missing advancement by a single goal on tiebreakers against Poland.
Projected 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
Players to Watch
- Raul Jimenez, Mexico:
- With César Montes sidelined due to yellow card accumulation, attention turns to Raul Jimenez. Montes had been a surprising primary source of goals for Mexico, netting three of their five group stage goals, largely from set pieces. Jimenez will be looked upon to lead the attack and find the net in this crucial knockout match.
- Feras Al-Brikan, Saudi Arabia:
- Al-Brikan is a crucial figure for Saudi Arabia, serving as the most capped player on the roster with 55 appearances. He provides vital leadership and presence, especially with several prominent players unavailable due to Club World Cup commitments. He ranks second on the team in career goals (11) and leads the squad with five shots taken in the tournament so far.
Key Narratives
- Favorites vs. Underdog Guests: This quarterfinal pits the favored Concacaf giant Mexico against an underdog guest nation from Asia, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia`s success in reaching this stage continues a positive trend for Asian confederation teams in the Gold Cup, with four out of five participants advancing to the knockout rounds in this edition.
- Mexico`s Title Pursuit: Mexico aims to become the first team since their own accomplishment in 2009 and 2011 to win consecutive Gold Cup titles. After a period with a relatively low return of trophies (only one Concacaf title from 2021-2024), Mexico is now the reigning champion of both major Concacaf competitions, having secured the Nations League in March and the 2023 Gold Cup. They are keen to maintain their dominance.
Match Prediction
From a tactical standpoint, this quarterfinal could feature intriguing contrasts: Mexico`s attacking, possession-based style versus Saudi Arabia`s disciplined defense and sharp counterattacks. The outcome may depend heavily on whether El Tri`s midfield and forwards can effectively break down a potentially resilient Saudi backline or if the Asian side`s fast wingers can exploit Mexico`s defense, which has shown vulnerability at times.
Predicted Score: Mexico 1, Saudi Arabia 0
Benedict Kingsley