USA vs Mexico lineups, starting 11 projections as Folarin Balogun starts, USMNT debut in Nations League

Kyle Bonn

USA vs Mexico lineups, starting 11 projections as Folarin Balogun starts, USMNT debut in Nations League image

The USA and Mexico resume their tense and exciting rivalry as the two North American giants clash in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on Thursday in Las Vegas.

Mexico has gone five matches without a win against the U.S. dating back to a friendly victory in 2019, a stretch which includes losses in the 2021 Gold Cup and Nations League finals.

El Tri are led by new head coach Diego Cocca, who has gone unbeaten in his first five matches in charge, but the results have still been less than impressive.

The U.S. is also helmed by a new coach, with BJ Callaghan stepping in as interim boss for previous interim Anthony Hudson, who departed for a job in Qatar while the federation continues its search for a permanent head coach.

Below are the projected lineups for both teams based on the latest news leading up to the match.

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USA vs Mexico lineups, team news

The biggest question fans were asking leading into this match was whether Folarin Balogun will make his debut for the United States, and indeed he does, slotted straight into the lineup by interim head coach BJ Callaghan. It was expected that he would see the field at some point, and sure enough he is ready to go, with Ricardo Pepi on the bench.

The only other surprise for the United States is that Chris Richards starts at center-back alongside Miles Robinson, leaving Walker Zimmerman on the sideline. Otherwise, all the expected starters are indeed in, including Christian Pulisic.

Mexico boss Diego Cocca also had a decision to make for his striker spot. With Raul Jimenez injured again, he is forced to choose between two in-form attackers in Henry Martin and Santiago Gimenez, both of whom have been prolific with their clubs in the past season. As reports suggested pre-match, Cocca has opted for Club America's Martin.

The absence of Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano is a big one for Mexico, as he continues to rehab a knee injury that cost him the final four Serie A matches of the Napoli league season.

Below are the starting lineups for both teams ahead of their match at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday.

MORE: Preview USA vs Mexico with odds, picks, and a match prediction

USA starting 11 vs Mexico

USA confirmed starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Matt Turner (GK) — Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, Antonee Robinson — Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah — Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna — Folarin Balogun..

Subs (12): Drake Callender (GK), Sean Johnson (GK), Walker Zimmerman, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty, Johnny Cardoso, Alan Sonora, Luca de la Torre, Brenden Aaronson, Alex Zendejas, Taylor Booth, Ricardo Pepi.

  • Out: Tim Ream (broken arm), Cameron Carter-Vickers (knee), Zack Steffen (knee), Ethan Horvath (undisclosed), Daryl Dike (Achilles), Malik Tillman (hamstring), Josh Sargent (undisclosed), Eryk Williamson (ACL).
  • Doubt: None.
  • Suspended: None.

Mexico starting 11 vs USA

Mexico confirmed starting lineup (3-4-3, right to left): Guillermo Ochoa (GK) — Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Victor Guzman — Jorge Sanchez, Luis Chavez, Edson Alvarez, Jesus Gallardo — Uriel Antuna, Henry Martin, Orbelin Pineda.

Subs (12): Jose Antonio Rodriguez (GK), Luis Malagon (GK), Julian Araujo, Gerardo Arteaga, Johan Vasquez, Luis Romo, Carlos 'Charly' Rodriguez, Erick Sanchez, Sebastian Cordova, Ozziel Herrera, Alexis Vega, Santiago Gimenez

  • Out: Jesus Corona (fitness/broken leg), Hirving Lozano (knee). Raul Jimenez (groin), Carlos Acevedo (shoulder)
  • Doubt: Alexis Vega (right knee), Sebastian Cordova (muscle).
  • Suspended: None.

Mexico vs USA live stream, TV channel

  TV channel Streaming
USA Univision, TUDN Fubo, Paramount+
Canada Telus (Ch. 980) Fubo, OneSoccer.ca

USA: The English-language broadcast of USA vs Mexico from the Nations League semifinals will be streamed exclusively on Paramount+, which offers a free trial.

Additionally, the match will be televised in Spanish on TUDN and Univision, both of which are available to stream on Fubo, available to new users on a free trial.

Canada: In Canada, the match will be carried by OneSoccer, which can be streamed on Fubo or accessed via TV on Telus Channel 980.

Kyle Bonn

Kyle Bonn Photo

Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.