Mexico vs. Valencia: A Crucial International Friendly Ahead of the 2026 World Cup
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Mexico will face off against Valencia in an international friendly match at the Estadio Cuauhtmoc in Puebla, Mexico. This encounter marks a significant event in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Mexico will co-host the tournament alongside the United States and Canada.
The match is part of Mexico's schedule to fill their calendar ahead of the World Cup. As co-hosts, Mexico and their counterparts have secured their spots in the tournament, leaving them with open slots for friendlies. These games are crucial for Mexico's manager, Javier Aguirre, as he looks to tinker with the team and explore different options to get a better sense of the talent pool he'll be working with on the path to the 2026 World Cup.
Valencia, on the other hand, sees this friendly as an unconventional opportunity to stay fit during the international break. The club has had a poor start to the season and hopes to use this match to engage with fans on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, identifying Mexico as a market of focus as they try to build their brand.
1. **Match Details**
The match will take place at the Estadio Cuauhtmoc, home of Puebla FC. Here are all the details you need to know, as football fans often wonder when and where to watch the game. The kickoff time is set for 7 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the live stream on Fubo.
For those looking to watch the game in person, the Estadio Cuauhtmoc in Puebla offers an intimate and electric atmosphere. The stadium's capacity and history make it an ideal venue for such an important friendly match.
2. **Mexico's Squad and Lineup**
Mexico's squad for the match includes several notable players. Ral Jimnez, the Fulham striker, is back to his best and is Mexico's best option in front of goal with the injuries to Santiago Gimnez and Henry Martn.
The predicted lineup for Mexico includes Luis Malagn as the goalkeeper, Bryan Gonzlez at left-back, Csar Montes and Jess Orozco in central defense, Rodrigo Huescas at right-back, Andrs Guardado and Luis Romo in midfield, Alexis Vga on the left wing, Sebastin Cordova as an attacking midfielder, Roberto Alvarado on the right wing, and Ral Jimnez up front.
Andrs Guardado, Mexico's captain for the better part of the last decade, will say goodbye to El Tri this international break. A legendary Mexican player that will wear the captain's armband one final time before officially passing the responsibility to Edsn lvarez.
3. **Valencia's Squad and Challenges**
Valencia travels to Mexico without its full squad. Some players are off to represent their countries in the international break or are dealing with injuries. Only six players on Valencia's squad that made the trip to Mexico have played in over 50% of the team's minutes in La Liga this season.
Mouctar Diakhaby, a key player for Valencia, has been recovering from knee surgery and has been running and doing dynamic work on the grass. His return to full fitness is crucial for the team's performance in this friendly match.
4. **Why This Friendly is Crucial for Mexico**
For Mexico, this friendly is a chance to reverse course after their group stage exit at the Copa America over the summer. Manager Javier Aguirre has been tasked with rebuilding the team and exploring different options to get a better sense of the talent pool he'll be working with on the path to the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico's schedule reverts back to normal when they host a Mauricio Pochettino-led U.S. men's national team in Guadalajara. However, it's hard to ignore the quirkiness of their first game against Valencia. The friendly is mutually beneficial for both teams, but it also highlights the scheduling conundrums that face not just Mexico but fellow 2026 World Cup co-hosts Canada and the U.S..
The remaining schedule for the 2026 World Cup hosts includes several key matches. On October 12, 2024, both Mexico and the U.S. will play friendlies against Valencia and Panama respectively. The U.S. will then face Mexico on October 15, while Canada will play Panama on the same day.
5. **Positive Points of the Friendly**
The friendly match between Mexico and Valencia has several positive points. Firstly, it provides an opportunity for both teams to stay fit during the international break. For Valencia, it is a chance to engage with fans in Mexico and build their brand in a key market.
Secondly, this match allows Mexico's manager, Javier Aguirre, to tinker with the team and explore different options ahead of the 2026 World Cup. It is a crucial step in rebuilding and preparing for the tournament.
Lastly, the friendly highlights the scheduling challenges faced by co-hosts of major tournaments. The empty calendar of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada due to their secured spots in the 2026 World Cup creates opportunities for friendlies that are hard to fill.
6. **How to Watch the Match**
Fans can catch the live stream of the match on Fubo. The game will take place at 7 p.m. ET at the Estadio Cuauhtmoc in Puebla, Mexico. For those looking to watch in person, the stadium offers an electric atmosphere that is sure to make the match an exciting event.
For more detailed information about the match, including possible lineups and player news, you can visit ESPN Deportes or Telemundo's Zona Mixta.
To stay updated with the latest scores, box scores, and highlights, you can visit FOX Sports' coverage of the match.
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