Prediction: Mexico vs Canada

Verdict: Total goals over 2.5

Best odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: BetUS

Canada will look to break a two-decade winless streak against Mexico on U.S. soil when they face El Tri in a friendly at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday.

The Canucks held on for a 2-1 win against the USA in their last match, while Mexico secured a 3-0 victory over New Zealand.

Mexico

Javier Aguirre made a strong start in his third stint as Mexico’s manager, ending a two-match winless streak with a win on Saturday. Mexico’s three goals in that match matched their total from the previous four games combined, and it marked their second victory by a three-goal margin this year.

Defensively, Mexico have been solid, conceding only once in their last four competitive matches. All their wins this year have come on U.S. soil. However, it’s been over a year since Mexico won consecutive games, with their last such streak coming in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup when they secured three knockout wins to lift the trophy.

Mexico are currently on an eight-match winless run against North American teams across all competitions, a drought that stretches back over three years.

The last meeting with Canada on U.S. soil was at the 2021 Gold Cup, where Mexico won 2-1 with a late stoppage-time goal in the semi-final at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Team News

El Tri were missing Edson Alvarez for the match against New Zealand, as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained during the Copa America.

Jesus Gallardo could reach 100 caps if he plays on Tuesday, while Cesar Montes is just two appearances away from his 50th, and Alex Padilla is still waiting for his first senior cap.

Orbelin Pineda opened the scoring just five minutes into the game against New Zealand, followed by goals from Cesar Huerta and Luis Romo, who also earned his 50th cap. Raul Rangel kept a clean sheet in his second appearance as goalkeeper.

Canada

After more than 65 years, Canada finally secured a win over their rivals, the USA, with manager Jesse Marsch accurately predicting the 2-1 scoreline in a pre-match interview.

Canada’s press forced several turnovers during Saturday’s game, capitalizing on two U.S. mistakes and withstanding a strong second-half surge from the Americans. In their last two matches, the Canadians have improved their finishing, scoring four goals in total – double what they managed in their first six games under Marsch.

Under Marsch’s leadership, Canada remain unbeaten when scoring first, having done so three times since he took charge.

On Tuesday, Canada will have the opportunity to win consecutive games in regular time for the first time since they recorded three straight victories from March to June 2023 in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Canada are unbeaten in their last five games on U.S. soil against CONCACAF nations, winning two of those encounters. Their last victory against Mexico outside Canada came in the 2000 Gold Cup quarter-finals when they equalized seven minutes from the end and scored a golden goal two minutes into extra-time at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

Team News

On Saturday, Nathan Saliba and Stephen Afrifa made their senior debuts for Canada, coming on as substitutes, leaving Niko Sigur and Jonathan Sirois as the only uncapped players selected for this window.

Alistair Johnston could reach 50 caps for Canada if he features in this game, Cyle Larin is poised for his 75th appearance, and Jonathan Osorio can earn his 80th cap, which would tie him with Milan Borjan for sixth place on the all-time appearances list for the Canucks.

Jacob Shaffelburg netted his fourth goal for Canada this past weekend, while Jonathan David became the joint all-time leading scorer for the national team, tying Larin with 29 goals.

Conclusion

Both Mexico and Canada appear very lively at the moment. The contest could go either way, or end in a draw, but it’s fair to expect goals, possibly more than one, at both ends of the pitch.

Verdict: Total goals over 2.5

Best odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: BetUS