Mexico Must Deliver Against Honduras to Secure Gold Cup Final Berth

Mexico is set to clash with Honduras in the Gold Cup semifinals and must prevent any potential shock result to maintain their championship campaign.

Javier Aguirre's squad was expected to meet Panama in the semifinals, recreating the 2023 final matchup, but a determined Honduras side disrupted those plans. This encounter mirrors their recent Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal meeting.

César Montes will reclaim his central defensive role after serving his suspension, allowing captain Edson Álvarez to return to his preferred defensive midfield position.

Mexico has utilized a three-man midfield formation in their previous two matches and this approach will probably persist, with the main uncertainty being who will partner Álvarez and the impressive Marcel Ruiz.

Any result short of victory would represent a catastrophic disappointment for El Tri. Following this, a possible championship match against the USMNT awaits on the horizon.

Here's how Mexico's starting eleven might appear against Honduras in the Gold Cup semifinals.

Mexico Predicted Lineup vs. Saudi Arabia (4-3-3)

GK: Luis Malagón—The Club América shot-stopper wasn't tested with a single on-target effort in the previous match against Saudi Arabia.

RB: Jorge Sánchez—The ex-Ajax and Porto defender might regain his starting position after Julián Araujo's underwhelming performance.

CB: César Montes—Montes makes his comeback following his single-match ban. He has been dependable at the back and his trio of goals tops Mexico's scoring chart in the Gold Cup.

CB: Johan Vásquez—The Genoa defender remains consistently reliable in defense while excelling at delivering penetrating passes from his central position.

LB: Mateo Chávez—The newly signed AZ Alkmaar player has made a strong impression this summer and appears to be a dependable choice on the left side. He'll step in for the suspended Jesús Gallardo.

CM: Edson Álvarez—The captain will resume his preferred role as the midfield foundation, providing greater attacking freedom to his teammates ahead of him.

CM: Marcel Ruiz—Ruiz seems to have secured a regular starting position in the midfield throughout the Gold Cup, establishing his reputation with the national squad just one year before the World Cup.

CM: Carlos Rodríguez—Rodríguez has faced criticism for his lackluster displays with El Tri, but will receive what might be his last chance to demonstrate he can replicate his club success at international level.

LW: Alexis Vega—Liga MX's standout performer from last season delivered an exceptional display against Saudi Arabia and will be crucial in breaking down Honduras' defensive structure in the semifinals.

RW: Roberto Alvarado—El Piojo's tendency to drift inward and connect with the other midfielders enables Mexico to create numerical superiority in central areas, where their most skilled players have thrived throughout the tournament.

ST: Raúl Jiménez—The Fulham forward has consistently demonstrated his qualities as a well-rounded striker and remains the cornerstone of Mexico's offensive play. He's indispensable in El Tri's formation.