Mexico preview for Copa America Centenario

In our Mexico preview for this summer’s Copa America Centenario, we predict how far the team will advance in the tournament, as well as reviewing their squad roster, the schedule of upcoming games and who their star player is.

Mexico preview

Manager: Juan Carlos Osorio

Captain: Rafael Marquez

Mexico preview: Squad:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jesús Corona (Cruz Azul, MEX), Guillermo Ochoa (Málaga, ESP), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca, MEX)

DEFENDERS (9): Paúl Aguilar (Club América, MEX), Néstor Araujo (Santos Laguna, MEX), Yasser Corona (Querétaro, MEX), Héctor Moreno (PSV, NED), Miguel Layún (Porto, POR), Rafael Márquez (Atlas, MEX), Jesús Molina (Santos Laguna, MEX), Diego Reyes (Real Sociedad, ESP), Jorge Torres Nilo (Tigres UANL, MEX)

MIDFIELDERS (4): Jesús Dueñas (Tigres UANL, MEX), Andrés Guardado (PSV, NED), Héctor Herrera (Porto, POR), Carlos Peña (Guadalajara, MEX)

FORWARDS (7): Javier Aquino (Tigres UANL, MEX), Jesús Corona (Porto, POR), Cándido Ramírez (Monterrey, MEX), Javier Hernández (Bayer Leverkusen, GER), Raúl Jiménez (Benfica, POR), Hirving Lozano (Pachuca, MEX), Oribe Peralta (Club América, MEX)

Mexico preview: Overview:

Mexico sent a shadow squad to the 2015 Copa America, with their priority clearly being a successful Gold Cup campaign later in the summer. After grasping glory in the latter, the decision was vindicated, especially as these players now have a chance to go full tilt at the Centenario.

El Tri deserve to be considered as genuine contenders for the title too. While they will be without the effervescent Miguel Herrera on the sidelines in a major tournament for the first time in a while, new boss Osorio is a steady hand who has plenty of experience. He’s brought an assuredness to this squad, reflective in recent results.

Indeed, a 2-2 draw in a friendly last September against Argentina showed Mexico’s ability to mix it with the elite nations. Since then they’ve won seven games in a row, with no goals conceded in their last six. And while showing sharp defensive play, it’s in attacking areas where the strength of this team truly lies.

Osorio has a lot of forwards at his disposal who have chased redemption this term, including Javier Hernandez at Bayer Leverkusen, Raul Jimenez with Benfica and LA Galaxy’s Giovani dos Santos. That men such as Carlos Vela, Jesus Corona and Oribe Peralta will struggle to make the starting XI is testament to the firepower Mexico possess.

Still, this isn’t a team who will be lured into chaotic shootouts with other sides. Mexico have shown they can operate with diversity, with a midfield trio of Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera and Jonathan dos Santos all extremely versatile players. At the back, Diego Reyes looks set to shine having thrived with Real Sociedad this term, while young Hirving Lozano could be a wildcard on the wing.

All the tools are there for Mexico to make a long run in this tournament, especially given the confidence this group will possess after their Gold Cup triumph. Osorio has some huge decisions to make in terms of how he will set the side up, although the strength in depth in so many positions will serve El Tri well over the course of the competition.

Mexico preview: Group Fixtures:

Sunday, June 5

Mexico vs. Uruguay, Glendale, AZ, 8pm ET; FOX Sports 1, Univision, Univision Deportes, FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2GO and fuboTV (free trial)

Thursday, June 9

Mexico vs. Jamaica, Pasadena, CA, 10pm ET; FOX Sports 1, Univision, Univision Deportes, FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2GO and fuboTV (free trial)

Monday, June 13

Mexico vs. Venezuela, Houston, TX, 8pm ET; FOX Sports 1, Univision, Univision Deportes, FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2GO and fuboTV (free trial)

SEE MORE: Schedule of all Copa America games on US TV and streaming

Mexico preview: Key Player:

Javier Hernandez – After falling out of favour at Manchester United and an unsuccessful loan spell with Real Madrid, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez became a peripheral figure when it comes to the national side. But even with their wealth of attacking options, after a stunning season with Bayer the Little Pea will surely be one of the first names in the XI.

Hernandez has enjoyed the best year of his career at the BayArena. Leverkusen may not be as grand as United or Los Blancos, but they’re a team set up to utilise the predatory instincts of the 27-year-old, who has bagged an impressive 17 goals in the Bundesliga at the time of writing.

He may not offer much in terms of general play or a defensive contribution, but should Mexico be involved in a tight contest, Chicharito’s penchant for being in the right place at the right time can be decisive.

Mexico preview: Verdict:

Quarter-Finals – With a kinder draw, Mexico could have made it to the final two of this competition. But not only will they face a dogged Uruguay team in the group stages, Argentina or Chile almost certainly await in the first knockout match should they qualify. El Tri are capable of going toe-to-toe with those sides, but lack the star power needed to book a semi-final berth.

Mexico home jersey

This is the official fan version of the jersey that El Tri will line up in while competing in the historic 2016 Copa America Centenario. After wearing black home jerseys for the first time last summer en route to winning the Gold Cup, they return to the traditional green in 2016. 100% polyester.

Find out how to order the Mexico home jersey today.

Mexico away jersey

The Mexico Away shirt is classically-styled, with black adidas stripes running along the shoulders and the adidas logo matching. The jersey has climacool technology and mesh panels on the shoulders for moisture control. 100% polyester. Out of all of the Copa America jerseys, this one is the most unique design.

Find out how to order the Mexico away jersey today.