The 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinals are set to feature a historic first-ever meeting in the tournament between Concacaf powerhouse Mexico and guest side Saudi Arabia. This intriguing clash will be one of the competition`s most compelling matchups, marking Saudi Arabia`s debut appearance in the knockout stage of the regional championship.
For Mexico, the pressure is considerable. El Tri enters this quarterfinal tie as the clear favorite, widely expected not only to win but to assert dominance on their quest for a ninth Gold Cup title. However, their performance in the group stage, which included narrow victories and a goalless draw against Costa Rica in the final match, has somewhat challenged this narrative of effortless superiority.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia approaches the quarterfinal with no pressure and everything to gain. They aim to build upon their respectable showing at the 2022 World Cup and demonstrate that their guest invitation to the Gold Cup was fully merited. With a coveted spot in the semifinals on the line and national pride fueling both sides, this unprecedented encounter between two distinct footballing cultures promises significant drama, intensity, and the potential for a truly memorable moment in Gold Cup history.
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Saturday, June 28 | Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
- Location: State Farm Stadium — Glendale, Arizona
- TV: FS1
- Odds: Mexico -230; Draw +315; Saudi Arabia +655
Head-to-Head History
Mexico holds a dominant record against Saudi Arabia, having never suffered a defeat in their six previous meetings. Their most recent encounter took place in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, where Mexico secured a 2-1 victory with goals from Henry Martín and Luis Chávez. Neither of these players is part of the current Gold Cup squad. Despite Mexico`s win, both teams were ultimately eliminated from the World Cup group stage, with Mexico narrowly missing progression on goal difference.
Predicted Starting 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: While Cesar Montes has been Mexico`s unexpected primary goal threat from set pieces in the group stage (scoring three of their five goals), Montes is now suspended due to yellow card accumulation. As a result, the focus shifts to veteran striker Raul Jimenez to lead the attack and provide crucial goals.
- Feras Al-Brikan, Saudi Arabia: Al-Brikan represents a significant attacking presence for the Saudi squad, especially given the absence of other key players due to the Club World Cup. He leads the current roster with 55 international caps and is second in career goals (11). In this tournament, he has been their most active offensive player, leading the team with five shots.
Key Storylines
- Favorites Against the Underdog Guests: Saudi Arabia successfully navigated Group D to finish as runners-up, earning four points from a win over Haiti and a draw against Trinidad & Tobago. Making their Gold Cup debut, Saudi Arabia continues a positive trend for guest nations from the Asian confederation, with four out of five participants now reaching the knockout stage.
- Mexico`s Pursuit of Consecutive Titles: Mexico has the chance to become the first nation to win back-to-back Gold Cup championships since they last achieved the feat in 2009 and 2011. After a recent period where they secured only one out of five major Concacaf trophies between 2021 and 2024, El Tri currently holds both major regional titles, having won the Nations League in March and the 2023 Gold Cup.
Match Prediction
This quarterfinal promises a fascinating tactical contrast. It is likely to pit Mexico`s characteristic possession-focused attacking style against Saudi Arabia`s anticipated disciplined defensive setup and potential threat on the counterattack. The outcome may hinge on whether Mexico`s midfielders can successfully unlock a potentially resilient Saudi defense, or if Saudi Arabia`s quick wingers can exploit any vulnerabilities found in the Mexican backline.
Our Pick: Mexico 1, Saudi Arabia 0
