Mexico vs Colombia Predictions
Mexico and Colombia meet at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday in their first internationals since the World Cup.
Colombia are usually tough to beat, and they could have the edge against a Mexican side that usually does its best work in front of their passionate home fans.
With that in mind, Colombia DNB looks like a good option, and I also expect under 2.5 goals scored.
Tight Contest on the Cards
- Mexico have seen under 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 5 matches
- Mexico lost their last 4 matches against Colombia
- Colombia won 5 of their last 7 matches
- Colombia have seen under 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches
Colombia Dominate Recent H2H Record
Mexico and Colombia have met on seven occasions since 2009. Colombia won each of their last four encounters, including a 4-0 friendly victory last year.
Mexico Begin New Era after World Cup Exit
Mexico face their first fixture since a pulsating 3-2 defeat against England in the World Cup round of sixteen.
Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez proved in vain as Jude Bellingham inspired England to a famous win in Mexico City.
The Mexicans won all three group games against South Africa, South Korea and Czechia. A 2-0 success against Ecuador then secured Mexico's first World Cup knockout victory in 40 years.
The Mexicans have enjoyed a strong run of form in the past year, winning ten and losing just two of 16 games since a 4-0 defeat against Colombia last October.
Now facing their first fixture under recently appointed former captain Rafael Marquez, Mexico face a stiff test against frequently challenging opponents. El Tri conceded 12 goals while losing their last four encounters, including three games since 2022.
Mexico will receive strong support in Baltimore, although Saturday's neutral venue offers less of an advantage than their World Cup fixtures on home soil.
Colombia Seek Response after Penalty Heartbreak
Colombia face Mexico in their first international fixture since their painful World Cup exit against Switzerland in the round of sixteen.
Despite controlling the contest, Nestor Lorenzo's men were held to a frustrating goalless draw in Vancouver before losing 4-3 on penalties.
Los Cafeteros had 15 shots on goal compared to Switzerland’s seven, while they also finished with a higher xG of 1.09 to 0.37.
The South Americans were unbeaten in 90 minutes across five matches at the tournament. They topped a group containing Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan before beating Ghana 1-0 in the round of 32.
An inability to take their chances would ultimately prove costly for Lorenzo’s side. Colombia scored only five goals, and just one in their last three World Cup contests.
Defensive solidity has been their biggest strength in a strong run of form over the past two years. Los Cafeteros conceded only two goals in their last seven internationals, while they kept clean sheets in eight of their last 13 fixtures.
Mexico vs Colombia Squads & Team News
Mexico Squad
Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel, Oscar Garcia, Alex Padilla
Defenders: Jesus Gallardo, Jorge Sanchez, Johan Vasquez, Israel Reyes, Mateo Chavez, Victor Guzman, Everardo Lopez, Diego Campillo, Dagoberto Espinoza
Midfielders: Orbelin Pineda, Roberto Alvarado, Luis Romo, Luis Chavez, Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Obed Vargas, Alvaro Fidalgo, Alan Cervantes, Denzell Garcia, Jeremy Marquez
Forwards: Hirving Lozano, Santiago Gimenez, German Berterame, Armando Gonzalez, Isaias Violante, Hugo Camberos, Santiago Sandoval
Mexican boss Marquez has a 30-man squad available for Mexico’s upcoming friendly fixtures.
Inter Miami forward German Berterame has been recalled, while Guadalajara forward Santiago Sandoval is one of six uncapped players included.
Wolves forward Raul Jimenez misses out with a knee injury.
Colombia Squad
Goalkeepers: Alvaro Montero, Kevin Mier, Aldair Quintana
Defenders: Davinson Sanchez, Daniel Munoz, Jhon Lucumi, Alvaro Angulo, Samuel Velasquez, Kevin Andrade, Royer Caicedo, Edier Ocampo
Midfielders: Jhon Arias, Richard Rios, Kevin Castano, Jaminton Campaz, Yaser Asprilla, Gustavo Puerta, Daniel Arcila, Matias Orozco, Juan Manuel Rengifo, Jhon Solis
Forwards: Luis Suarez, Andres Gomez, Camilo Duran, Oscar Perea, Kevin Viveros
Head coach Lozano has a 26-man squad available for this weekend’s friendly fixture.
Jefferson Lerma misses out while veteran former captain James Rodriguez has retired from international football.
Celtic forward Camilo Duran is one of 11 uncapped players included in the squad.