Mexico and Uruguay's Copa America preparations continue on Wednesday when both meet in Denver for their final friendly. The Mexicans defeated Bolivia, while the Uruguayans drew with Costa Rica. El Tri defeated the Bolivians 1-0 thanks to a goal from Efrain Alvarez ahead of a clash with Brazil and then Group B matches against Ecuador, Jamaica and Venezuela. La Celeste is preparing to face the USMNT, Panama and Bolivia with Marceloa Bielsa at the helm. Jaime Lozano has struggled to convince since late 2023 and a CONCACAF Nations League final loss to the USMNT did not help. A strong Copa America could be necessary to avoid the ax for the former Necaxa boss, while Uruguay are the dark horses for the title thanks to their iconic tactician.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Wednesday June 5 | Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Place: Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, USA
- TV: FOX Deportes | Current: Fubo (try for free)
- Chances: Mexico +163; Sign +210; Uruguay +150
Team news
Mexico: There were eight debuts last time, including Ricardo Monreal who scored Alvarez's goals against Bolivia. Lozano is expected to restore some key names to Denver, so expect Feyenoord's productive Santiago Gimenez. Edson Alvarez is El Tri's captain and Johan Vasquez should be part of the central defense lineup. However, Jesus Gallardo, Hirving Lozano, Guillermo Ochoa and Raul Jimenez are all missing.
Potential Mexico XI: Malagon; J. Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Arteaga; Chavez, Alvarez, E. Sanchez; Antuna, Gimenez, Vega.
Uruguay: Edinson Cavani retired from international football last week, while Darwin Nunez decisively led Celeste's attack. Jose Maria Gimenez leads the South Americans, while Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur provide the crunch in midfield. Ronald Araujo, Luis Suarez and recent UEFA Champions League winner Federico Valverde will all be rested.
Potential Uruguay XI: Rochet; Nandez, Cáceres, Gimenez, Olivera; Bentancur, Ugarte, C. Araujo; Pellitri, Nunez, B. Rodriguez.
Prediction
This one should be tight and could result in a draw, but Uruguay probably has just enough to get past Mexico in Denver. Choose: Mexico 1, Uruguay 2.
