Mexico’s men’s national team has something to prove to the critics and skeptics that have come out in full force after two consecutive qualifying losses to the USA and Canada. But a road trip with a shorthanded squad to face a desperate Jamaica team will not prove an easy proposition.
The Reggae Boyz nearly came away with a point from the opening qualifying match in Mexico, only conceding in the final minute in a 2-1 loss. This time, the Jamaicans will have a stronger team with top England-based players like West Ham’s Michail Antonio, Fulham’s Bobby Reid and Brentford starter Ethan Pinnock all available to face El Tri at The Office in Kingston.
And it will be a Jamaica team (6th, 7 points) with its back against the wall. Seven points out of the fourth and final playoff spot, Jamaica needs wins, especially playing at home. And while Mexico (3rd, 14 points) sits comfortably in the automatic qualification spots, a third straight loss would complicate matters with home matches against Costa Rica and Panama coming up to close out the window.
LIVE BLOG: Follow Jamaica vs. Mexico from Kingston
Supporters of El Tri want to see their team take a leap and perhaps even enter the 2022 World Cup as a contender to reach the final four. But three losses to the rival Americans and no silverware in 2021 has many doubting whether Gerardo “Tata” Martino can take them to the next level. The pressure from the media and fan base is only growing.
How to watch Jamaica vs. Mexico
- Date: Thurs, Jan. 27
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Spanish-language TV: Telemundo, Universo
- Streaming: fuboTV, Paramount+
The match from Kingston, Jamaica will be broadcast live in the USA on CBS Sports Network (English), Telemundo and Universo (Spanish).
All three networks are available to stream on fuboTV, which is available to new users on a free trial.
CBS streaming platform Paramount+ will also carry the match.
MORE: Updated CONCACAF standings, schedule & results
Jamaica vs. Mexico lineups
While Jamaica will be fielding a stronger side compared to the last time they met, Tata Martino will be missing three starters for the match: center back Cesar Montes (COVID-19), Hirving “Chucky” Lozano (suspension) and Raul Jimenez (calf injury) are all confirmed out. Midfielder Edson Alvarez joins them with a calf issue.
Veteran Hector Moreno, winger Uriel Antuna, center forward Rogelio Funes Mori and Hector Herrera are the replacements for the absentees. Alexis Vega also gets the start over Tecatito Corona.
Mexico starting lineup (4-3-3, left to right): 13-Guillermo Ochoa (GK) — 23-Jesus Gallardo, 15-Hector Moreno, 2-Nestor Araujo, 3-Jorge Sanchez — 18-Andres Guardado (capt.), 16-Hector Herrera, 8-Carlos 'Charly' Rodriguez — 10-Alexis Vega, 11-Rogelio Funes Mori, 9-Uriel Antuna
Mexico subs (12): Alfredo Talavera (GK), Jonathan Orozco (GK), Luis Rodriguez, Julio Cesar Dominguez, Gerardo Arteaga, Luis Romo, Edson Alvarez, Erick Gutierrez, Diego Lainez, Orbelin Pineda, Henry Martin, Jesus ‘Tecatito’ Corona
New Jamaica manager Paul Hall, who was part of the Reggae Boyz side that played in the 1998 World Cup, will be coaching his first World Cup qualifier after replacing ex-boss Theodore Whitmore. In his first match in charge — a 3-0 loss to Peru in Lima on Jan. 20 — he fielded a 4-3-3 with an experimental squad. It's a similar formation against Mexico with Michail Antonio starting up top.
Jamaica starting lineup (4-3-3, left to right): 1-Andre Blake (GK) — 20-Kemar Lawrence, 3-Ethan Pinnock, 17-Damion Lowe, 21-Javain Brown — 8-Daniel Johnson, 22-Devon Williams, 4-Ravel Morrison — 12-Junior Flemmings, 18-Michail Antonio, 7-Lamar Walker
Jamaica subs: Amal Knight (GK), Dwayne Miller (GK), Alvas Powell, Gregory Leigh, Adrian Mariappa, Liam Moore, Kevin Stewart, Peter Vassell, Cory Burke, Javon East, Andre Gray, Bobby Reid
MORE: Which teams have made the 2022 World Cup?
Jamaica vs. Mexico betting odds & prediction
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
Mexico doesn’t like playing Jamaica, and that much is evident every time these two teams play. The Reggae Boyz are not afraid to take on mighty Mexico and they cause El Tri matchup problems all over the field.
MORE: How Mexico can qualify for the World Cup
Since 2010 these two teams have faced off eight times in all competitions (including friendlies) and Jamaica has a 2W-4L-2D record with two of the four losses coming by a one-goal deficit. In their last meeting at the Estadio Azteca, Jamaica arguably deserved the draw before conceding a late Mexico winner.
Given what’s at stake for Jamaica, the Reggae Boyz should be on the front foot early in a last-gasp attempt to rescue their World Cup qualification bid. With West Ham’s Michail Antonio on the field (eight goals in the Premier League) against an under-fire Mexico team missing key starters and susceptible to spells of opposition pressure, it’s not far-fetched to see Jamaica nicking at least one goal, regardless of the final result.
Pick: Jamaica to score / No clean sheet for Mexico (-120)
Prediction: Jamaica 1, Mexico 1
- Moneyline: Jamaica +475 / Draw +240 / Mexico -155
- Spread: Jamaica +0.5 (+115) / Mexico -0.5 (-155)
- O/U 2.5 total goals: Over +140 / Under -180
- Both Teams To Score: Yes +120 / No -160