The 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinals are set to feature a historic first-ever meeting in the tournament between Concacaf powerhouse Mexico and Asian Football Confederation giants Saudi Arabia. This promises to be one of the competition`s most compelling fixtures. The intercontinental clash marks Saudi Arabia`s debut appearance as a guest team in the knockout rounds, introducing an exciting new dimension to the regional championship.
For Mexico, the stakes are incredibly high. El Tri enters this knockout match as the clear favorite, widely expected not only to win but to dominate as they pursue their ninth Gold Cup title. However, Mexico`s path through the group stage has not fully aligned with this narrative, with matches often being closely contested, including a scoreless draw against Costa Rica in their final group game.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia arrives in the quarterfinals with minimal pressure and everything to gain. They aim to build on their performance at the 2022 World Cup and demonstrate that their invitation as a guest nation to the Gold Cup is well-deserved. With a spot in the semifinals on the line and national pride at stake, this unprecedented encounter between two distinct footballing cultures is poised for drama, intensity, and potentially a memorable Gold Cup moment.
Match Information and Odds
- 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
Last Meeting History
Mexico has maintained an unbeaten record against Saudi Arabia over six previous encounters. Their most recent match was the group stage finale at the 2022 World Cup, which Mexico won 2-1 with goals from Henry Martín and Luis Chávez. Notably, both players are not part of the current Gold Cup squad. Both teams were ultimately eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup, with Mexico narrowly missing progression by needing one more goal than Poland in 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 (scoring three of their five group stage goals), Montes is unavailable due to yellow card accumulation. This puts the focus squarely on Jimenez to lead the attack.
Feras Al-Brikan, Saudi Arabia: As the player with the most international caps (55) on a squad missing several key names due to club commitments (likely Club World Cup), Al-Brikan is a significant presence. He is second on the roster in goals scored (11) and has been the most active shooter for his team in the tournament with five attempts.
Key Storylines
Favorites vs. Underdog Guests: Saudi Arabia finished as runners-up to the U.S. in Group D, securing four points from a victory over Haiti and a draw against Trinidad & Tobago. Making their first Gold Cup appearance, Saudi Arabia is continuing the positive trend for Asian confederation teams in the tournament; four out of five AFC participants invited have now reached the knockout phase.
Mexico has an opportunity to become the first nation to win consecutive Gold Cup titles since they themselves achieved this in 2009 and 2011. After winning only one of five Concacaf trophies contested between 2021 and 2024, Mexico currently holds both major Concacaf titles, having secured the Nations League in March and the 2023 Gold Cup.
Prediction
This quarterfinal match could showcase intriguing tactical contrasts. Mexico is likely to employ a possession-based attacking style against Saudi Arabia`s disciplined defensive structure and potent counterattacks. The outcome might hinge on whether El Tri`s midfielders can break down a resilient Saudi defense, or if the Asian side`s quick wingers can exploit any vulnerabilities in Mexico`s backline. Our Pick: Mexico 1, Saudi Arabia 0
