Mexico Battles Honduras for Gold Cup Final Spot: Complete Match Preview and Starting XI Predictions
Mexico is set to take on Honduras in the 2025 Gold Cup semifinals as they aim to maintain their championship reign.
El Tri secured the top spot in their group before easily eliminating Saudi Arabia 2–0 in the quarterfinals, remarkably not allowing their opponents a single shot on target. While Mexico has demonstrated defensive stability, they have yet to produce a compelling attacking display, an area where they've faced challenges throughout the competition.
Honduras bounced back after suffering a devastating 6–0 defeat to Canada in their tournament opener and, after their surprising penalty shootout victory over Panama in the quarterfinals, Los Catrachos have reached the Gold Cup semifinals for the first time in over a decade since 2013. Reinaldo Rueda's squad will now attempt to beat Mexico in an official fixture away from Honduras for the first time since their memorable triumph at the Estadio Azteca in 2013.
Javier Aguirre's team enters as heavy favorites, making their 10th consecutive Gold Cup semifinal appearance while pursuing advancement to within one match of claiming their 13th Gold Cup championship.
Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Gold Cup semifinal encounter.
What Time Does Mexico vs. Honduras Kick-Off?
Mexico vs. Honduras Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Most Recent Encounter: Mexico 4–0 Honduras (Nov. 19, 2024) — Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Mexico | Honduras |
|---|---|
Mexico 2–0 Saudi Arabia - 6/28/25 | Panama (4)1–1(5) Honduras - 6/28/25 |
Mexico 0–0 Costa Rica - 6/22/25 | Honduras 2–1 Curacao - 6/24/25 |
Suriname 0–2 Mexico - 6/18/25 | Honduras 2–0 El Salvador - 6/21/25 |
Mexico 3–2 Dominican Republic - 6/14/25 | Canada 6–0 Honduras - 6/17/25 |
Mexico 1–0 Turkiye - 6/10/25 | Hondruas 2–0 Antigua and Bermuda - 6/10/25 |
How to Watch Mexico vs. Honduras on TV
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Premier Sports 2 |
United States | TUDN, FS1, Univision, FOX Sports App, ViX |
Mexico | TUDN, Canal 5, ViX |
Mexico Team News
Despite not showcasing their finest football throughout the tournament, Mexico has avoided any significant setbacks and should advance comfortably to the final against Honduras.
Aguirre faces the challenge of replacing suspended left-back Jesús Gallardo due to yellow card accumulation, though young Matéo Chávez has shown promise in the Gold Cup and appears ready to step in. El Tri will benefit from César Montes' return, who is expected to form a central defensive partnership with Johan Vásquez.
With Aguirre seemingly abandoning the two-striker formation and moving Santiago Gimenez to the substitutes' bench, the primary concerns lie in midfield selection.
Orbelín Pineda, Charly Rodríguez, and 16-year-old Gilberto Mora, El Tri's youngest-ever debutant, are the leading contenders to join Edson Álvarez and Marcel Ruiz in the middle of the park.
Regardless of the starting eleven and tactical approach chosen, Mexico will be expected to secure victory against Honduras on Wednesday evening.
Mexico Predicted Lineup vs. Honduras
Mexico Predicted Lineup vs. Honduras (4-3-3): Malagón; Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Chávez; Álvarez, Ruiz, Rodríguez; Alvarado, Vega, Jiménez
Honduras Team News
Honduras, following their shock triumph over Panama, will be aiming to defeat Mexico for the third consecutive year in official competition, having previously beaten them twice at home in Nations League first-leg encounters.
For this upset to materialize, the robust central defensive duo of Denil Maldonado and Jose Martínez must deliver exceptional performances.
Celtic's Luis Palma may return to the starting lineup for the first time since the tournament-opening loss against Canada. The 25-year-old is arguably Honduras' most gifted player and netted twice against Mexico during their last victory over El Tri in November 2024.
Rueda might opt to start Liga MX player Anthony Lozano of Santos Laguna from the beginning, following his crucial late goal that sparked Honduras's comeback against Panama in the quarterfinals.
Honduras traditionally elevates their performance level when facing El Tri and will seek to extend their fairytale journey by eliminating the defending champions.
Honduras Predicted Lineup vs. Mexico
Honduras Predicted Lineup vs. Mexico (4-2-3-1): Menjívar; Crisanto, Maldonado, Martínez, Rosales; Arriaga, Flores; Álvarez, Quioto, Palma; Lozano
Mexico vs. Honduras Score Prediction
As has been a recurring theme throughout the Gold Cup, Mexico will likely control possession while struggling to find the decisive breakthrough against a resilient Honduras defense.
Mexico's attacking deficiencies have been evident in this tournament, frequently appearing ineffective and lacking creativity in the final third. Nevertheless, Honduras is unlikely to pose a significant offensive threat, meaning El Tri simply needs to remain patient and utilize their superior individual talent.
Raúl Jiménez is expected to be the standout performer on the field and guide Mexico to the final, where a potential clash with the USMNT appears likely.
Score Prediction: Mexico 2–0 Honduras