Mexico and Costa Rica are set to reignite their longstanding rivalry in a critical match during the 2025 Gold Cup on Sunday. This encounter not only marks the end of the group stage at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas but also plays a vital role in determining the knockout phase pathways for both teams.
With bragging rights and the title on the line, Mexico, the defending champions, are eager to assert their dominance after previous difficulties, while Costa Rica aims to remind the football world that their legacy is still alive.
Match Details:
- Date: Sunday, June 22
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
- Location: Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, Nv.
- TV: FS1
- Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: Mexico - 175; Draw +290; Costa Rica +470
What’s at stake?
Both teams are already set for the quarterfinals, but a top finish is essential for securing an advantageous path in the knockout rounds. Mexico aims to defend the title following their victory in the 2023 Gold Cup, while Costa Rica seeks to prove its competitive strength amid a transition.
Predicted Lineups:
Mexico: Angel Malagon; Jorge Sanchez, Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Jesus Gallardo; Oberlin Pineda, Edson Alvarez, Erik Lira, Alexis Vega; Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez
Costa Rica: Kaylor Navas; Jeyland Mitchell, Fernan Faerron, Francisco Calvo; Carlos Mora, Brandon Aguilera, Orlando Galo, Josimar Alcocer, Joseph Mora; Alonso Martinez, Manfred Ugalde
Storylines to watch
- For Mexico: Head Coach Javier Aguirre is under pressure to maintain one of the team’s key strengths while hoping for effective collaboration between strikers Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez.
- For Costa Rica: Miguel Herrera faces his former team for the first time and is keen to demonstrate Costa Rica’s ability to challenge near the top of the tournament.
Prediction
As each team seeks to secure their position and avoid tough matchups in the quarterfinals, high stakes promise an exciting encounter. Expect explosive play from both sides, with Mexico favored to clinch a narrow victory.
