Mexico is gearing up for a match against Turkey on Tuesday, coinciding with the one-year countdown to the 2026 World Cup, as they engage in yet another friendly ahead of this significant tournament.
As one of the co-host nations for next year’s World Cup, El Tri is currently finalizing their preparations for the Concacaf Gold Cup. In March, Mexico secured its first-ever title in the CONCACAF Nations League, marking a significant achievement during Javier Aguirre’s third stint as coach of the national team.
The upcoming friendly against Turkey follows a previous match where Mexico suffered a 4-2 defeat to Switzerland, despite Santiago Gimenez scoring for the national team. Veteran Angel Sepulveda also made an impact by scoring just two seconds after coming off the bench.
Meanwhile, Turkey is using this final international window before the World Cup qualifying matches in September to prepare for their first tournament appearance since 2002.
Here’s what you need to know before tuning in:
Viewing Information for Mexico vs. Turkey
- Date: Tuesday, June 10th | Time: 9 PM
- Location: Kenan Stadium – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- TV: Univision | Live Stream: fubo (available for free trial)
- Odds: Mexico +150; Draw +235; Turkey +170
Previous Encounter
This will be the first matchup between the senior men’s national teams of Mexico and Turkey.
Comments from Mexico
Despite the friendly nature of Saturday’s match, a loss is never seen as a positive outcome for El Tri. Following the defeat to Switzerland, the national team faced significant scrutiny, having delivered a performance that was criticized for its lack of effectiveness; they had 10 shots but a low expected goal tally of just 1.11.
Aguirre acknowledged the criticism, stating, “It’s never good to lose. We didn’t perform well. There were more negative takeaways than positives, but we can highlight the efforts of Santiago Gimenez and Angel Sepulveda.”
Comments from Turkey
While it may be three months until World Cup qualifiers start, Turkey’s head coach Vincenzo Monterra views these friendlies as critical for the team’s preparation. “We have to treat this match as the final game of our season,” he noted. “Mexico is a formidable opponent as they recently won the Concacaf Nations League.” Monterra mentioned that this could also provide important experience for younger players.
Expected Lineup
Mexico: Moon, Julian Araujo, Montez, Mateo, Emilio Lara, Mora Gilbert, Edson, Panema, Alexis Vega, Santiago Gimenez, Raul Jimenez.
Turkey: Berke Ozer, Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Samet Akaydin, Yasin Ozcan, Ismail Yuksek, Kaan Ayhan, Oguz Aydin, Arda Guler, Kerim Yildiz, Kerem Akturkoglu.
Key Players to Watch
Santiago Gimenez (Mexico): The attacking front has been a concern for Mexico. Gimenez is finding his stride after a successful club season, where he scored 26 goals across Feyenoord and AC Milan. With just five goals for the national team, his form this summer is crucial for transforming Mexico’s offense into a strength.
Annual Implications
World Cup Prep in Focus: With just a year until the World Cup, both teams are eager to perfect their strategies and player selections. Both Mexico and Turkey will aim to refine their game plans to ensure solid performances when the tournament arrives, adding pressure on both to showcase their best.
Prediction
Given that experimentation is key for both teams, it’s challenging to predict the match outcome. However, Turkey’s attacking players, particularly if Arda Guler features prominently, may give them an edge. Prediction: Mexico 1, Turkey 2.
Don’t Miss Out on CBS Sports Golazo Network
☀☀️ Morning Footy (Weekdays 8 AM-10 AM): Join the Golazo Network for highlights and interviews, plus the biggest football storylines. Available as a podcast too, so you won’t miss out!
3️⃣ The Third Attack (Monday, Thursday): A live studio show analyzing the women’s soccer season with expert panels. Don’t miss the Sunday wrap-up on YouTube after NWSL matches.
⚽ Call It What You Want (Monday and Thursday): Hosted by Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola, this weekly podcast covers all USMNT matters live on YouTube.
🥅 Scoreline (Daily): Stay updated with highlights and results impacting soccer globally, airing every day of the week.
📺 How to Watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a 24/7 channel dedicated to soccer coverage. Stream for free on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
What Else Does Paramount+ Offer?
With a Paramount+ subscription, enjoy not only top sports coverage but extensive on-demand content, featuring thousands of episodes and movies from Paramount, CBS, Nickelodeon, and more. From hit shows to classics, there’s plenty to binge-watch.
For more information, click here.
Fan Take: This friendly match is significant for both teams as they seek to strengthen their strategies ahead of the World Cup, showcasing young talent and building momentum. For fans, the outcomes can influence team morale and performance leading into the tournament, making every friendly crucial.
