W GOLD CUP 2024
Daunting task ahead for Mexico as they face the USWNT
In 42 meetings, the Mexican women’s team have suffered 40 defeats at the hands of their rivals from the north of the border.
Undefeated in their opening two games at W Gold Cup 2024, both Mexico and tournament favourites the United States are (almost) guaranteed a berth in the quarterfinals as they face each other at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
A stern test awaits Pedro Lopez’s Mexico side as they face the USWNT for the 43rd time with history very much against ‘La Tri’. In the previous 42 meetings, the United States have been victorious on 40 occasions with Mexico only managing one win and draw in all games. The solitary win coming back in 2011 as part of a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier with El Tri Femenil running out 2-1 winners.
Recent omens too favour a one-sided contest in Carson as the USWNT has won all their past last 16 games against Mexico, the fifth-longest winning streak against a single opponent in team history and has outscored La Tri 65-4 during that spell with the US also managing a clean sheet in the last six meetings.
USWNT and Mexico’s W Gold Cup results so far
Following a comprehensive 5-0 win over the Dominican Republic in their W Gold Cup opener last week, the USWNT cemented their last-eight place with a 4-0 triumph against Argentina on Friday, Jaedyn Shaw grabbing a brace for Twila Kilgore’s side. USWNT veterans Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan were also on target for the tournament hosts, as they established an unassailable points lead over the third-placed Argentinians.
Earlier on Friday, Mexico romped to an 8-0 rout of the Dominican Republic, having kicked off their Gold Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Argentina three days beforehand.
What do Mexico need to qualify for quarter-finals?
Mexico, meanwhile, will be certain to finish in one of the group’s two automatic-qualification spots if they avoid defeat against the USWNT. Pedro López’s team will win the section if they beat the Stars and Stripes.
Given their goal-difference lead over Argentina, Mexico will secure second in Group A even if they lose, as long as the Albiceleste don’t beat Dominican Republic by a score big enough to wipe out La Tri’s advantage.
And were Mexico to slip out of the top two on matchday three, their tally of four points would certainly be enough to send them through anyway, as the quarter-final line-up will be completed by the two best third-placed finishers with the final eight in the competition set to be composed of the three group winners, runners-up and two best placed third-placed sides.