The upcoming Copa America clash between Mexico and Jamaica is set to be an exciting encounter.
With both teams eager to start their Group B campaign on a high note, fans are in for a thrilling match. Here’s a comprehensive preview covering team form, news, and predictions.
Match Overview
Date and Venue
Date: June 23, 2024
Time: 2 am BST/UK Time
Venue: NRG Stadium
Team Form and Recent Matches
Mexico
Mexico comes into this match with a mixed bag of results from their recent friendlies.
They managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Bolivia but suffered significant losses against Uruguay (4-0) and Brazil (3-2).
This inconsistency is a concern for Jaime Lozano's side as they make their first Copa America appearance since 2016, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Historically, Mexico’s best performance was in 1993 when they finished as runners-up.
Recent Results
Mexico 1-0 Bolivia
Mexico 0-4 Uruguay
Mexico 2-3 Brazil
Jamaica
Jamaica qualified for the 2024 Copa America through the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals.
They have been in excellent form recently, winning their last three friendlies against Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Dominica.
However, Jamaica has yet to win a match in the Copa America finals, losing all their group-stage matches in both 2015 and 2016.
Recent Results
Jamaica 2-0 Panama
Jamaica 1-0 Dominican Republic
Jamaica 3-1 Dominica
Team News and Possible Lineups
Mexico
Mexico will rely heavily on Santiago Gimenez, who had an outstanding season with Feyenoord, scoring 26 goals.
West Ham United's Edson Alvarez will captain the team from midfield, supported by key defenders Cesar Montes and Jorge Sanchez.
Uriel Antuna, Mexico's leading scorer in the current squad, is expected to play a crucial role in the attack.
Predicted Lineup
J Gonzalez; J Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Arteaga; E Sanchez, Alvarez, Chavez; Antuna, Gimenez, Vega
Jamaica
Jamaica will be without Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, but they still boast a strong forward lineup featuring Michail Antonio and Bobby Decordova-Reid.
Shamar Nicholson, with 19 goals for his country, is expected to start. The defence will be anchored by experienced players like Damion Lowe and Michael Hector.
Predicted Lineup
Blake; Lowe, Hector, Bernard; Latibeaudiere, Palmer, Johnson, Anderson; Decordova-Reid, Antonio, Nicholson
Prediction
Given Mexico’s experience and historical performance in Copa America, they are favourites to win this match.
However, Jamaica’s recent form suggests they could pose a significant challenge. A narrow victory for Mexico seems likely, but a draw cannot be ruled out.
Mexico 
Jamaica 
