USMNT and Mexico to play in Continental Clasico in April

In April, the USMNT and Mexico will kick off the Continental Clasico, an annual game where the United States plays one of the top countries from North, Central or South America. This is not a miniature tournament akin to the SheBelieves Cup on the women’s side. Rather, it is just one game each year hosted in the United States.

The inaugural game of this new tradition features the USMNT’s biggest rival. Mexico and the United States played one another three times on American soil in 2021. The United States won each of those. Importantly, each of those three was competitive, and two were for a trophy. The USMNT won both the Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League finals in extra time. Then, the United States added the latest edition of the dos-a-cero story in World Cup Qualifying.

This game may not have the importance of those games, but it is a chance for another game in this storied rivalry. Plus, down the road, it could open the door for games against top opposition.

This game, scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, is happening at StateFarm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, in the Phoenix area. Phoenix is not one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup.

USMNT and Mexico meet again in Continental Clasico

While future editions of the Continental Clasico will feature other teams, the 2023 and first game will be between the USMNT and Mexico. While the contest will not involve European talents, as there is no international break during this week in April, there are a number of people to keep an eye on.

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One of those could be Alex Zendejas. The Mexico native declared his allegiance to the USMNT over Mexico on Tuesday. Zendejas plays for América in Liga MX, but could feature in the game if the club releases him. He played in a pair of USMNT friendlies against Colombia and Serbia.

Coverage of the USMNT game against Mexico in this Continental Clasico is on TBS and HBO Max, the latest installment of the US Soccer deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. For Spanish audiences, coverage is on Telemundo, Universo and Peacock. Coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET, but kickoff is not until 10:22 p.m. ET.

PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire