Mexico will kick off their Copa America 2024 campaign against Jamaica at the NRG Stadium.
Jamaica, competing in the Copa America finals for just the third time in their history, aim to start their Group B campaign on a high note against Mexico on Saturday night. Despite their participation, Jamaica have yet to secure a win at the tournament, while Mexico’s best performance was in 1993 when they finished as runners-up to Argentina.
In preparation for the 2024 Copa America, Mexico played three warm-up friendlies, winning 1-0 against Bolivia while suffering defeats to Uruguay (4-0) and Brazil (3-2). This recent form leaves them with three losses in their last four matches across all competitions. Mexico last participated in the Copa America in 2016, reaching the quarter-finals. Historically, they have reached the semi-finals three times: in 1997, 1999, and 2007.
Jaime Lozano’s team last played competitively in March, losing 2-0 to the United States in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League. Mexico also faced disappointment in the 2022 World Cup, being eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 1990.
Jamaica qualified for the 2024 Copa America by reaching the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals, after defeating Canada in the quarter-finals. This marks their third appearance in the Copa America finals, where they have yet to win or secure a point, having lost all their group-stage matches in 2015 and 2016.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad looks to make history in Group B, where they will face Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Jamaica enter the match with confidence from three consecutive friendly wins against Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Dominica.
The upcoming match is a chance for Jamaica to claim their first victory over Mexico since a friendly in July 2017. Mexico have won three of their last five encounters, including a 3-0 victory in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this clash.
Team News & Tactics
Mexico
Leading Mexico’s attack will be Santiago Gimenez, who is eager to increase his tally of four international goals. The 23-year-old had an impressive season with Feyenoord, scoring 26 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances, making him one of the standout players for Mexico in Saturday’s match.
In central midfield, West Ham United’s Edson Alvarez will captain the team, bringing leadership and experience. The defence will feature notable players such as Almeria’s Cesar Montes and Porto’s Jorge Sanchez, both of whom are expected to play crucial roles at the back.
Additionally, Uriel Antuna is anticipated to be part of the starting lineup, adding further strength and depth to Mexico’s side as they kick off their Copa America campaign. The thrashing against Uruguay was followed by the close loss to Brazil earlier this summer. They will now hope to avoid a third straight loss on the trot.
The 4-3-3 formation appears to be the way forward with Julio Jose Gonzalez in goal, behind the back four Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez and Gerardo Arteaga. Edson Alvarez should hold the fort in the middle of the part, with Erick Sanchez and Luis Chavez providing support. Uriel Antuna and Alexis Vega should lead the attack on the wings with Santiago Gimenez starting upfront as the focal point.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Gonzalez; Jorge Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Arteaga; Erick Sanchez, Alvarez, Chavez; Antuna, Gimenez, Vega
Jamaica
For Jamaica, Leon Bailey was initially named in the squad. But his agent recently announced that the Aston Villa attacker will not participate in the summer competition.
Despite Bailey’s absence, Jamaica boast strong options in their forward line. West Ham United’s Michail Antonio and former Premier League player Demarai Gray are included in the squad. However, the latter might miss out on a starting spot, with Shamar Nicholson expected to lead the attack alongside Antonio and Bobby Decordova-Reid.
In midfield, Coventry City duo Kasey Palmer and Joel Latibeaudiere are likely to start. Defensively, the team will rely on the experience of Damion Lowe, who is set to partner with Michael Hector and Di’Shon Bernard in a back three. This mix of seasoned players and emerging talents positions Jamaica to compete strongly in their Copa America opener against Mexico.
Jamaica are expected to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Andre Blake in goal and Karoy Anderson accompanying Daniel Johnson in the midfield four.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Blake; Lowe, Hector, Bernard; Latibeaudiere, Palmer, Johnson, Anderson; Decordova-Reid, Antonio, Nicholson
Key Stats
- Jamaica have never won a single Copa America match.
- Mexico have never won the competition, with their best performance coming in 1993 where they finished second.
- Mexico and Jamaica have faced off 32 times across all competitions, with the former winning 22 and the latter coming out on top just five times.
- Mexico have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven games against Mexico across all competitions.
Player to Watch
Santiago Gimenez
The Feyenoord Rotterdam star is coming off a sensational 2023/24 campaign that saw him net 26 goals and assist eight more in 41 games for the Dutch giants across all competitions. He will be the focal point for Mexico’s offence and will open to make a difference for them in the tournament.
Gimenez is also linked with a move away this summer with several top teams keen. A strong showing at Copa America will certainly boost his chances of securing that big move he appears ready for. The game against Jamaica gives the striker an opportunity to rekindle his scoring touch and build momentum ahead of more challenging opponents.
Prediction
Mexico 1-1 Jamaica
Despite starting the game as massive underdogs, Jamaica possess quality in key areas to hurt Mexico, especially if they fail to turn up. The Hard Tackle predicts a close game with both sides settling for a point.