The USA will look to extend its current five-match unbeaten run against Mexico and secure a spot in the CONCACAF Nations League title match as the Americans clash with El Tri in a semifinal on Thursday in Las Vegas.
At the helm of the USA is interim boss BJ Callaghan, who took over for previous interim Anthony Hudson, and he will look to keep the ship afloat while U.S. Soccer continues its search for a permanent head coach.
Also in the fold for the first time is exciting 21-year-old striker Folarin Balogun, who could make his USMNT debut after recently committing to the United States over England. Balogun will return to Arsenal this summer after bursting onto the scene in France with 21 league goals on loan at Stade de Reims, and his addition to the U.S. squad gives the Americans a much-needed burst of firepower up front.
With plenty of storylines to go around, the United States, as defending Nations League champions, will look to secure yet another competitive result against their most hated rivals.
MORE: USMNT's schedule for 2023
USA vs Mexico match facts
- Date: Thursday, June 15
- Kickoff Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
- Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, Nevada)
- Official: Bryan Lopez (GUA)
- Last meeting: USA 1-1 Mexico (April 19, 2023 | International Friendly)
MORE: Stream USA vs. Mexico live on Paramount+. Try it FREE!
USA vs Mexico prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: USA (+130)
- Score prediction: USA 2-0 Mexico
At this moment, given recent Mexico results under new boss Diego Cocca, as well as their recent history against the United States, it's simply too tough to back El Tri in this match.
Mexico have struggled to impress, and while Cocca has yet to lose across his first five games in charge, they have done anything but live up to their high expectations.
The United States is dealing with its own share of uncertainty, but on the field, they simply have better talent, more in-form players, and a more promising string of recent results. BJ Callaghan will be tested in his first match in charge, but with little likely to change from Anthony Hudson's tenure, he'll be set up for success in this match. Simply put, the U.S. would be grossly disappointed not to reach the Nations League final for a second straight tournament.
| USA win (90 mins) | Draw | Mexico win (90 mins) | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | USA advance | MEX advance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (USA) | +130 | +200 | +180 | -110 / -135 | +120 / -175 | -145 | +100 |
| Sports Interaction (Canada) | +123 | +200 | +195 | -114 / -137 | +123 / -169 | — | — |
USA vs Mexico best bet
- Pick: USA over 1.5 goals
- Odds: +145 (BetMGM)
With Folarin Balogun now in the fold, this U.S. team has its best attacking talent assembled together for the first time in quite a while. Christian Pulisic may not be in the best club form, but he's rested, having barely played for Chelsea of late. Tim Weah is healthy, while Gio Reyna and Ricardo Pepi are both in relatively good form. Brenden Aaronson, on the other hand, discussed at length just how tired he is after a taxing club campaign.
Mexico, meanwhile, have struggled defensively of late and are generally in poor form. They coughed up two goals to both Jamaica and Cameroon in their last four matches, and even Suriname had a few half-chances against El Tri in their matchup back in March. The team hasn't quite taken to Diego Cocca's high-pressing style just yet, and that could play to the USA's advantage.
There's some value on the 2.5 goal total in this match as well, given the absence of Tyler Adams at the heart of the U.S. midfield to stop the Mexico buildups. However, trusting this El Tri side to put away chances is just a bit...well...wide of the mark.
USA vs Mexico prop bet
- Pick: Folarin Balogun anytime goal scorer
- Odds: +200 (BetMGM)
It's wasn't necessarily a guarantee that Folarin Balogun would slide straight into the starting lineup for the U.S. national team, as the coaching staff could have opted to show that players must earn their place with the national team, similar to what happens at club level. It's not always a great look to have a player step into the fold and immediately slot into the starting XI.
Yet they threw Balogun straight into the fire, making him the first player to earn their first USMNT cap with a start against Mexico since 1976.
Given Mexico's issues at the back, and the previously stated expectation that the U.S. will get goals, it's only fitting that we'll be backing whoever starts up front for BJ Callaghan. Wait for the lineup to be released and then place your selection on the starter.
Balogun ended his season in solid form and should be the main goal threat for the USA. He plays extremely well at the head of a counter-attacking team, and transition defending has been a weak point for Mexico under Cocca.
USA vs Mexico live stream, TV channel
The semifinal match kicks off at 7 p.m. local time from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
| TV channel | Streaming | |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Univision, TUDN | Fubo, Paramount+ |
| Canada | Telus (Ch. 980) | Fubo, OneSoccer |
