Mexico vs Ecuador: Preview, predictions and team news
Copa America action continues in Group B as Mexico take on Ecuador Sunday night at State Farm Stadium.
Despite losing 1-0 to Venezuela last time out, Mexico still have more than a fair shot at qualifying for the quarter-finals thanks to their narrow opening win over Jamaica. El Tri sit in third place in Group B with three points and a zero goal difference, and a win over Ecuador would see them progress to the later stages while a draw could make things complicated.
Ecuador are very much in the same boat at Mexico, as they too have three points after a 2-1 defeat to Venezuela that was followed by a 3-1 triumph over Jamaica. Ecuador are in second place in Group B thanks to their +1 goal difference, and a win for them would in turn seal qualification for the quarter-finals whereas a draw could see them sent packing.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Mexico vs Ecuador at Copa America 2024.
Mexico vs Ecuador H2H record (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Mexico |
Ecuador |
|---|---|
|
Venezuela 1-0 Mexico – 26/06/2024 |
Ecuador 3-1 Jamaica – 26/06/2024 |
|
Mexico 1-0 Jamaica – 22/06/2024 |
Ecuador 2-1 Venezuela – 22/06/2024 |
|
Mexico 2-3 Brazil – 08/06/2024 |
Ecuador 2-1 Honduras – 16/06/2024 |
|
Mexico 0-4 Uruguay – 05/06/2024 |
Ecuador 3-1 Bolivia – 12/06/2024 |
|
Mexico 1-0 Bolivia – 31/05/2024 |
Argentina 1-0 Ecuador – 09/06/2024 |
|
Country |
TV/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United States |
FOX, TUDN, Univision, Fox Sports App, Fubo, Vix |
|
United Kingdom |
N/A |
West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez is the only Mexico player unavailable for selection, as the veteran figure is recovering from a hamstring injury. Santiago Gimenez and Alexis Vega are both on yellow cards, and should they receive another booking against Ecuador, they could potentially miss the quarter-finals should Mexico qualify.
Mexico predicted lineup vs Ecuador ( 4-2-3-1 ): Gonzalez; Sanchez, Reyes, Vasquez, Arteaga; Romo, Chavez; Antuna, Pineda, Quinones; Gimenez.
Valencia’s talisman Enner Valencia is expected to return to the starting XI after serving a one-match suspension for a red card shown after a dangerous challenge on Jose Martinez. The likes of Jeremy Sarmiento and Kendry Paez are both on one yellow card, meaning they could miss Ecuador’s quarter-final clash if they receive one more booking and if Ecuador qualify for the next round.
Ecuador predicted lineup vs Mexico ( 4-2-3-1 ): Dominguez; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie; Franco, Caicedo; Minda, Paez, Sarmiento; Valencia.
This one is shaping up to be one of the more entertaining Copa America group-stage contests given what’s at stake. Either side could join Venezuela in advancing to the quarter-finals, meaning both team should play on the front foot, looking to create genuine chances.
In the end, Mexico won’t have enough in them to get past the young, talented Ecuador side as El Tri bow out of the competition at the group stage with goals from Enner Valencia and Jeremy Sarmiento propelling the South American nation to victory.
Prediction: Mexico 1-2 Ecuador