Lucky to even be in this position, to begin with, the United States put both their CONCACAF Nations League dominance and recent streak against Mexico on the line as the two clash in the final from Arlington on Sunday.
The USMNT was extremely fortunate to get away with a horrible performance in the semifinals against Jamaica, with a last-gasp own-goal sending the game to overtime before Haji Wright’s brace rescued the result. The overall 90-minute performance was abysmal, as the U.S. were unable to break down a bunkered Jamaica who scored 31 seconds into the game and sat on it throughout.
Yet the U.S. will know they won’t face the same style of match as they take on bitter rivals Mexico, who stormed to victory over Panama. It was a clinical showing from El Tri who have numerous flaws but remain one of CONCACAF’s power nations.
In the final competitive match for both countries before the Copa America in the summer, there’s far more than a trophy on the line here. Bragging rights are always up for grabs when these two teams meet, but a few months of positivity can also be secured with a quality win here.
The Sporting News is following the USA vs Mexico match live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
USA vs Mexico live score
| Score | Goal scorers | |
| USA | – | – |
| Mexico | – | – |
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. local (9:15 p.m. ET / 6:15 p.m. PT)
Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Starting lineups (predicted):
USA (4-2-3-1, right to left): Turner (GK) — Dest, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson — McKennie, Musah — Weah, Reyna, Pulisic — Balogun.
Mexico (4-3-3, right to left): Ochoa (GK) — Araujo, Montes, C. Vasquez, Gallardo — E. Sanchez, E. Alvarez, Chavez — Lozano, Martin, Quinones.
USA vs Mexico live updates, highlights, commentary
1 hour 45 mins to kick: Young Philadelphia product Cavan Sullivan may be years from the U.S. national team, but he’s already starting to become a household name. There’s some people out there calling him “the best 14-year-old in the world” and he is rumored to be on his way to joining Manchester City in the near future.
He made his Union II debut today, and of course, the midfielder picked up an assist.
81’ Cavan Sullivan has his first Union II assist.
He sprung Sal Olivas with a long ball over the middle, and Olivas hit an 18-yard sizzler to the far corner for a 2-1 lead.#dooppic.twitter.com/hLTeDtpxii
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) March 24, 2024
2 hours to kickoff: As Gregg Berhalter crafts his lineup, all eyes will be on whether he selects Gio Reyna. The young star came off the bench and forced an extra-time one-two punch, and it’s blatantly obvious the USMNT is better with Reyna on the field.
Berhalter vociferously defended Reyna from questions about his inclusion in the U.S. roster after his lack of playing time at Nottingham Forest. Whatever the issues at his club are, they haven’t translated over to the U.S. national team. He should start tonight, and if he doesn’t, questions need to be asked of the decision-makers.
MORE: Why Gregg Berhalter’s defense of Gio Reyna is a big moment in repairing their relationship
Berhalter: “I think I heard somewhere that someone asked ‘why did Gio get called into camp?'”
”Did you guys hear that?” Berhalter asks the room. “Anyone? I think he showed why tonight. Its clear he deserves to play on this team.”
Is that a direct shot at Jesse Marsch? 😳 #USMNT
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) March 22, 2024
USA vs Mexico lineups, team news
Fans will be clamoring for Gio Reyna to start this match after his introduction off the bench at halftime of the Jamaica match was an important injection of life. He would have to replace Malik Tillman who didn’t have it in the semifinal.
Sergino Dest is available after suspension in the semifinal, and his return will be welcome as he replaces Joe Scally who was exceedingly poor against Jamaica. Gregg Berhalter could consider installing the experienced Tim Ream at center-back, replacing either Miles Robinson or Chris Richards.
After his brace against Jamaica, some will want Haji Wright to see the field, but Folarin Balogun is a player Berhalter wants to get rolling with the U.S. and will give him every opportunity to build chemistry with his international teammates.
USA projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Turner (GK) — Dest, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson — McKennie, Musah — Weah, Reyna, Pulisic — Balogun.
USA subs (9): (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)
Mexico head coach Jaime Lozano has a few things to consider after the scoreline in their win over Panama maybe betrayed some of their struggles. Panama out-passed and out-shot Mexico by significant margins, and El Tri were unable to dictate the tempo of the match even if they ran away as big winners.
He will think about bringing Hirving Lozano back into the starting lineup after he came off the bench for a half-hour in the semifinal, with Uriel Antuna not exactly impressing in recent years.
Mexico projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Ochoa (GK) — Araujo, Montes, C. Vasquez, Gallardo — E. Sanchez, E. Alvarez, Chavez — Lozano, Martin, Quinones.
Mexico subs (9): (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)
How to watch USA vs Mexico
- Date: Sunday, Mar. 24, 2024
- Time: 8:15 p.m. local CT (9:15 p.m. ET / 6:15 p.m. PT)
- TV channel (English): None
- Streaming (English): Paramount+
- TV channel (Spanish): UniMas, TUDN
- Streaming (Spanish): Fubo, Univision Now, TUDN app
CONCACAF English-language broadcast rights in the United States are owned by CBS Sports, who will air this USMNT match exclusively on Paramount+, where you can watch every match of the Nations League semifinals, finals, and third place match during this March international break. There is currently a FREE trial on offer to new subscribers.
The matches, including this one, will also be televised in Spanish on TUDN and UniMas, which is available to stream in the United States on Fubo, offering a FREE trial for new users.
MORE: Watch UEFA Champions League in the United States on Paramount+
