Canada looks to announce their name on the big stage by downing Mexico when the meet in Concacaf World Cup qualifying on Paramount+ Tuesday night, while El Tri needs a bounce-back victory after losing to the United States. Canada has taken care of business versus teams below them in the standings but will hope that the extreme cold and chance of snow will up their home field advantage to secure victory on ice. Goal difference wise, Canada is in a good spot with the joint best goal difference (+7) in the final round of qualifying, and due to that they only a draw is needed to pass Mexico. After Mexico hit their first bump of World Cup qualifying, Tata Martino will want to get the campaign back on track as soon as possible.
Here’s are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Tuesday, Nov. 16 | Time: 9:05 p.m.ET
- Location: Commonwealth Stadium — Edmonton, Canada
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Canada +170; Draw +190; Mexico +160 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
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Storylines
Canada: Not having qualified for a World Cup since 1986, there is extra incentive for Canada to show that their players belong on the Concacaf stage. As Mexico struggled to stop the United States attack, Canada will look to exploit space with Cyle Larin, Jonathan David, and Alphonso Davies, arugably the most dangerous attacking trio in Concacaf. Larin is currently the top scorer in Concacaf World Cup qualifying while Davies leads the group in assists. John Heardman has been mixing things up formation wise but it would make sense for Canada to look to counterattack out of the 4-4-2 setup that took care of Costa Rica. Though that could shift to more of a 4-2-3-1. Everything starts with being strong at the back, but with their defensive options, it’s something that Canada can pull off.
Mexico: In a sense, there’s not much to worry about for Mexico as they’ve breezed through World Cup qualifying so far and have boasted a stingy defense while also being able to create plenty of chances with Wolverhampton striker Raul Jimenez back in the fold. But this is also Mexico where any loss can put a coach on the hot seat. El Tri will need to at least secure a point in this away match to keep their spot in the top three secure but if the team that struggled in the second half versus the United States shows up, there will be cause for concern. Martino will look to control this game from midfield as winning the battle there will ensure a result.
Prediction
Conditions will make this clash tough on both sides but Davies and Hirving Lozano will shine to split the points. Pick: Canada 1, Mexico 1
