Mexico coach Jaime Lozano takes his new-look El Tri into the 2024 Copa America, hoping to build on recent performances.
Mexico takes on Jamaica in both nations’ Copa America opener on Saturday at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. El Tri has had a 14-day layoff since a 3-2 international friendly defeat to Brazil, giving Lozano plenty of time to work on his preferred tactics and style of play.
While Mexico struggled building out of the back during their June international friendly matches, El Tri fans will hope the side has worked out any potential issues ahead of their opener.
Jamaica, under coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, saved a place in their squad for Aston Villa forward Leon Bailey. However, Bailey declined the call-up and is sitting out the tournament, leaving Jamaica a bit shorthanded going forward.
English-born attackers Michail Antonio and Demarai Gray will likely play up top, and could be a challenge for the Mexican defense.
The oddsmakers have listed Mexico as the favorite, with the likes of Santiago Gimenez, Alexis Vega, and Julian Quinones as forward options to score in front of a packed house full of El Tri fans. Mexico is unbeaten against Jamaica in the last five matches since 2021, with three wins in that span.
However, there’s plenty of chances that this game could end up in a draw. Between Antonio, Gray, and Bobby Decordova-Reid, there’s plenty of talent in the Reggae Boyz squad as well.
BetMGM (USA) |
|
Mexico win | -150 |
Draw | +270 |
Jamaica win | +450 |
Both teams to score |
Y: +115 N: -165 |
Over / Under 2.5 goals |
O: +115 U: +160 |
Mexico -1.5 goals |
-130 |
Jamaica +1.5 goals |
-400 |
With Mexico using effectively its third-string goalkeeper Julio Gonzalez in this competition (Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa was left out and his replacement, Luis Angel Malagon had to withdraw with injury), there’s every expectation that Mexico could allow a few more goals this tournament than they have in previous tournaments.
If you believe Mexico will win, but Jamaica will probably score at least once, this is a solid bet with decent odds to take.
If you believe that both teams will score but the game will end in a draw, you can get odds of +425.
Gimenez and Antonio should both be playing up top for their teams, so there should be plenty of opportunity for each player to get two or more shots on target. And with odds of +950, there’s lot of money to be gained from a small bet.
TV channel | Streaming | |
USA | Fox Sports 1 | Fubo USA, Fox Sports app, ViX |
Canada | TSN1, TSN4, TVA Sports | TSN+, TVA+ |
UK | Premier Sports 1 | Premier Sports Player |
This match will be televised in the United States on Fox Sports 1, which can be streamed on Fubo who are offering a free trial for new users.
Other Copa America 2024 matches will be televised on FS1 or FOX network channel, which is also available to stream on Fubo.
In Canada, the match will be televised on TSN1, TSN4 and TVA with both networks offering live streaming options too.
In the UK, Copa America 2024 matches will be split between the Premier Sports Player and Premier Sports 1.