Mexico

The current defending champions with a record eight Gold Cup titles, El Tri open the defence of their title against Dominican Republic at the SoFi Stadium in Hollywood Park, Los Angeles. Their expectations and that of their fans is nothing less than a ninth title.

What to expect:

The Mexicans will start as favourites for the title. Emphatic in their Nations League win in March where they dispatched a good Canadian team, they won the final comfortably 1-0.

With the USA coming into the tournament shorn of players who are either resting or on Club World Cup duty (putting club before country is a statement on the US team attitude in itself), Mexico will smell blood in a country where US ICE immigration agents are likely to be circulating their games in California, as they have been games in the MLS.

Mexico are unbeaten in nine Gold Cup matches against Costa Rica (6W-3D). It is the first Gold Cup meeting vs. Suriname and Dominican Republic.

Getting out of their group should not be a problem. It should also give them time to come together as a team after shipping four goals in a 4-2 loss to Turkey in a pre-tournament friendly.

As ever, the fans ‘Puta’ chant could end up being the greatest threat to their success.

Head coach: Javier Aguirre

Javier Aguirre is renowned for his charismatic, authentic, and sometimes unorthodox approach. He is a strong motivator, known for his candid communication and ability to connect with players on a personal level. Aguirre’s leadership is driven more by force of personality and honesty than by rigid tactical dogma. He is direct—sometimes blunt—but this sincerity earns him respect in the locker room. Tactically, Aguirre often adapts to his squad’s strengths, favoring pragmatic setups such as a 5-4-1 or 4-4-2, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions. His teams are typically well-organized, disciplined, and difficult to break down.

Aguirre’s managerial career is one of the most distinguished among Mexican coaches having managedAtlante, Pachuca (Mexico) – Won the Invierno 1999 championship, Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol, Leganés, Mallorca (Spain), Al Wahda (UAE) and Monterrey.

He is the only Mexican to have managed six clubs in Spain’s top division, with over 450 La Liga matches, ranking him third among all foreign managers in Spain.

He managed Japan at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

He is in his third spell as Mexico’s manager having led them to the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, and won the 2009 Gold Cup.

Star Players:

Edson Álvarez (West Ham), Raul Jiminez (Fulham)

Raúl Jiménez began his professional career with Club América in Liga MX, debuting in 2011. He won the Liga MX title with América in 2013. Currently with Fulham since 2023 he has established himself as one of the premier League’s leading strikers Signed with Fulham in 2023.

Jiménez has been a regular for the Mexico national team since 2012 and represented Mexico at the 2012 Olympic Games, winning a gold medal.He has also played in multiple FIFA World Cups and CONCACAF Gold Cups, winning the 2019 Gold Cup.

He is known for his strong hold-up play, aerial ability, and clinical finishing. He is a versatile forward capable of leading the line or playing in a supporting role – and if played alongside Santiago Gimenez Mexico’s strikeforce is potentially unstoppable.

Edson Omar Álvarez Velázquez

A defensive midfielder or centre-back for West Ham, like Jiminez Álvarez began his professional career with Club América in Liga MX.

Álvarez has been a regular for the Mexico national team since 2017 and represented Mexico at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019, 2021 and 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cups, winning the 2019 edition.

Álvarez is known for his versatility, defensive awareness, and strong tackling ability. He is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, making him a valuable asset to any team.

Squad: