United States vs. Mexico - Nations League semifinal preview: TV channel/live stream, team news & prediction
The United States men's national team is set to host rivals Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal on June 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The two last faced each other in the Continental Clasico on April 19, as the Stars and Stripes held El Tri to a frustrating 1-1 draw. Uriel Antuna found the back of the net for Mexico in the 55th minute, before Jesus Ferreira scored off a rebounded shot to spoil Mexico's victory.
Now, the USMNT will be looking to defend their title after lifting the trophy in the inaugural 2021 edition, but Mexico will certainly not make it easy.
Where to watch USA vs. Mexico on TV/live stream?
When is kick-off? 10:00 PM EST
Where is the game being played? Allegiant Stadium
TV channel/live stream? Univsion Network/ESPN3/Paramount+/Vix Deportes
What time does TV coverage start? 9:55 PM EST
USA team news
New interim head coach B.J. Callaghan is set to lead the USMNT in his first game at the helm. Though he was given little time to prepare, Callaghan called up dependable figures like Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie to kick off with full force.
New USMNT figure Folarin Balogun may likely make his debut against Mexico, after recently filing FIFA's one time switch to represent the Stars and Stripes internationally. He's become a figure to watch in France, recording 21 goals and two assists in 37 Ligue 1 games.
And though Tyler Adams more than likely would've been called up, he remains unavailable for selection after undergoing hamstring surgery in May.
The Stars and Stripes are unbeaten in their last four out of five games, defeating El Salvador and Grenada 1-0 and 7-1, respectively, while losing out to Serbia 2-1 in January.
Mexico team news
El Tri head coach Diego Cocca has continued the theme of moving out veteran players and replacing them with younger, fresher legs. He's included key figures such as Ozziel Herrera, Santiago Gimenez, and Edson Alvarez in his squad for the semifinal, edging out Hector Herrera, Hector Moreno and Alfredo Talavera.
Hirving 'Chucky' Luzano is still unavailable due a knee injury sustained in May. But Mexican side can rely on Alexis Vega and Jesus 'Tecatito' Corona, who finally returns to international duty after suffering a broken leg and ligament tear in his ankle last year.
Mexico are unbeaten in their last five games, defeating Guatemala and Suriname 2-0 in the process. Interestingly enough, their draws came against Cameroon and Jamaica, 2-2, as well as the previously mentioned draw with the USMNT.
Prediction
With a chance to punch a ticket to the Nations League final, both sides will look to come out strong. While USMNT may have a slight edge in attacking prowess, the game will more than likely be a tight contest given the rivalry at hand.
Both sides have the ability to score goals as the USMNT has Pulisic, Reyna and now Balogun at their disposal. But Mexico have their own attacking stars in Herrera, Gimenez, and Vega. A high-scoring affair could be on the cards.
Prediction: USA 3 - Mexico 2