June 13 – Mexico approach the 2025 Gold Cup with typical confidence, having secured early silverware through March’s Concacaf Nations League triumph – a psychological boost that sets them up beautifully for the right to be called Kings of the Region.
Fulham’s Raul Jimenez delivered when it mattered against Panama in the Nations League Final, netting twice in the final. It’s the kind of result that feeds Mexico’s perpetual belief they’re destined for greatness, despite decades of evidence suggesting otherwise when it comes to the World Cup.
Mexico are the Gold Cup holders after their dramatic 2023 SoFi Stadium victory, when Santiago Gimenez’s last-gasp winner against Panama thrilled 72,000 supporters. That triumph epitomizes El Tri’s tournament mentality – capable of moments of brilliance while sometimes falling short when stakes are highest.
While Mexico has enjoyed a couple of consequence-free friendlies, Dominican Republic are grinding through World Cup qualifying with admirable determination. Los Quisqueyanos’ recent 5-0 demolition of Dominica showcased their growing ambition, with five different scorers sharing the spoils at Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez.
Dominican Republic’s form curve tells an encouraging story – just one defeat in their last 11 matches dating back to June 2024, when Jamaica edged them 1-0. It’s modest progress for a nation still establishing its football identity, but meaningful nonetheless.
Dorny Romero has emerged as their most potent weapon, scoring in both June qualifiers while approaching 30 international goals. At 27, the striker represents Dominican Republic’s new generation – players who believe qualification isn’t fantasy but achievable reality.
The contrast couldn’t be starker: Mexico expecting Gold Cup glory while their opponents fight just to reach the tournament. Both nations understand the stakes, even if their perspectives couldn’t be more different.
Team News
After being rested from the start during the victory over Turkey last time out, Mexico pair Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez should make up the two-man forward line.
Keeping a solid clean sheet in the thrashing of Dominica last time out, Dominican Republic will stick with a centre-back pairing of Luiyi de Lucas and Edgar Pujol.
Bagging three goal contributions in Los Quisqueyanos’ most recent match, Peter Gonzalez of Getafe will be confident of shining on the Gold Cup stage.
Mexico possible starting lineup:
Malagon; Sanchez, Reyes, Montes, Gallardo; Pineda, Alvarez, Ruiz, Vega; Jimenez, Gimenez
Dominican Republic possible starting lineup:
Valdez; Urbaez, De Lucas, Pujol, Dollenmayer; Rosario, Gonzalez, Kaparos, Morschel, Reyes; Romero
Prediction: Mexico 2 – 0 Dominican Republic
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