Mexico’s national team and Honduras will meet this Wednesday, July 2 at Levi’s Stadium for a place in the final of the 2025 Gold Cup.
The duel features a Mexico side with title aspirations and a Honduras side that, after a difficult start, has managed to revive its fortunes and reach the top four.
Honduras: from runaway winner to semifinalist
The Honduran team, coached by Reinaldo Rueda, was widely criticized after its debut in the tournament, where it lost 6-0 to Canada on June 17.
However, the outlook changed with victories over El Salvador (2-0) and Curaçao (2-1) in the group stage.
In the quarterfinals, Honduras drew 1-1 with Panama and then won 5-4 in a penalty shootout to seal their place in the semifinals.
Rueda has managed to combine the experience of consolidated players with the impetus of young talents, showing remarkable collective growth.
Mexico: strong but with absences
Mexico, under the direction of Javier Aguirre, arrives with a steady pace.
In the group stage they defeated Dominican Republic (3-2), Suriname (2-0) and drew goalless with Costa Rica.
In the quarterfinals, they overcame Saudi Arabia with a solid 2-0 win, but without much fanfare.
Mexico and Honduras going for a spot in the 2025 Gold Cup final
The Tricolor, who are seeking their twelfth Gold Cup title, will face the match with two key absentees:
Jesús Gallardo, suspended for accumulation of cards.
Luis Chávez, out of the tournament after tearing ligaments and already recovering from surgery in Guadalajara.
The good news is the return of defender César Montes, who has completed his suspension and will reinforce the central defense.
Probable lineups
Honduras: Edrick Menjívar; Joseph Rosales, Julián Martínez, Denil Maldonado, Luis Crisanto; Deybi Flores, Kervin Arriaga, Romell Quioto, Jorge Álvarez, Edwin Rodríguez; Jorge Benguché.
DT: Reinaldo Rueda
Mexico: Luis Ángel Malagón; César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Julián Araujo; Edson Álvarez, Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Marcel Ruiz, Roberto Alvarado; Alexis Vega, Raúl Jiménez.
DT: Javier Aguirre
The winner of this match between Mexico and Honduras will face the winner of the match between the United States and Guatemala in the final on July 6 at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
These are two teams that have also surprised in this edition of the tournament.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.