GOLD CUP FINAL
Mexico’s possible line-up against Panama in the 2023 Gold Cup final
Chasing their ninth Gold Cup title, the Mexicans are the favourites to lift the trophy in Sunday’s final at SoFi Stadium.
In their 11th appearance in the Gold Cup final, Mexico will chase title number nine when they face surprise package Panama at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday (7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT).
The Mexicans head into the trophy decider as heavy favourites, having swatted Jamaica aside in the semi-finals. Goals by Henry Martín, Luis Chávez and Roberto Alvarado earned a 3-0 triumph that booked El Tri’s 11th appearance in the Gold Cup’s showpiece game.
Meanwhile, Panama staged an upset in the last four, defeating co-hosts the United States on penalties. Los Canaleros now have the opportunity to win the CONCACAF competition for the first time in their history.
Few Mexican selection surprises expected
Mexico, who beat Costa Rica 2-0 in the quarter-finals, have sent out very similar line-ups in both their knockout-stage clashes so far at this summer’s tournament in the US and Canada. This suggests that head coach Lozano is unlikely to make significant changes to his side for the final.
Guillermo Ochoa is a nailed-on starter in goal, behind a backline that is likely to feature Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez and Jesús Gallardo.
In midfield, Edson Álvarez will play at anchorman, assuming he has shaken off a slight niggle. Álvarez will be joined in the midfield by Luis Romo and Chávez. Up front, Mexico can be expected to line up with an attack comprising Martín, Orbelín Pineda and Uriel Antuna.
Mexico’s possible XI vs Panama:
Ochoa; Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Álvarez, Romo, Chávez; Pineda, Antuna, Martín.