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Welcome to the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals, where football fans around the globe are preparing for a fascinating clash between Mexico and Saudi Arabia. This marks a historic first-ever Gold Cup meeting between the two nations—an encounter steeped in contrasting styles, deep footballing cultures, and a dash of déjà vu from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico, the defending Gold Cup champions, aim to continue their title defense and clinch a record-extending ninth Gold Cup trophy. On the other side stands Saudi Arabia, an invited guest team making a bold knockout stage debut, hungry to recreate the stunning upset they managed over Mexico at the 2022 World Cup.
This comprehensive match preview will guide you through everything you need to know—kick-off times, viewing options, key players, betting insights, and an expert match breakdown. Expect clarity, insight, and entertainment, all optimized for both readers and search engines.
Match Details: When and Where to Watch
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, USA
Kick-off Times:
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7:15 p.m. PT (Pacific Time)
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8:15 p.m. MT (Mountain Time)
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9:15 p.m. CT (Central Time)
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10:15 p.m. ET (Eastern Time)
This electrifying quarter-final fixture will unfold in front of a sold-out crowd at one of Arizona’s premier sports venues, promising a thrilling night of football.
How to Watch Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia Live: TV & Streaming Options
In the United States:
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TV Channels: FS1, Univision, and TUDN
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Live Streaming:
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Fubo
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DirecTV Stream
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Sling Blue
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ViX
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Paramount+
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Free Streaming Options:
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YouTube (in select countries)
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CBS Sports Golazo Network via CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, or Paramount+
Outside the U.S.?
To bypass geo-restrictions, use a VPN:
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Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN like ExpressVPN.
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Connect to a server in a region like Italy.
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Access YouTube or CBS Sports Golazo to stream the match live for free.
Why ExpressVPN?
105+ countries, blazing speeds, zero logs, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Team Analysis & Key Storylines
🇲🇽 Mexico: The Defending Champions
Current Standing:
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Group A winners, unbeaten in the group stage
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Also reigning Nations League champions
Group Stage Results:
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✅ 3-2 vs Dominican Republic
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✅ 2-0 vs Suriname
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🤝 0-0 vs Costa Rica
Despite questions over their offensive fluidity, Mexico’s defensive strength stood out—two clean sheets in three games.
Squad Challenges:
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Missing key names: Hirving Lozano, Henry Martin, Jesus Angulo
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Cesar Montes, a defensive anchor, is suspended (2 yellow cards)
Player to Watch: Raúl Jiménez
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40 international goals (3rd all-time for Mexico)
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2019 Gold Cup Golden Ball winner
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Strong tournament form: tied 4th in shots (8) and shots on goal (4)
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Anchoring a 4-2-3-1 formation as the lone striker
Goal: Win back-to-back Gold Cups for the first time since 2009–2011
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: The Guest Underdogs
Current Standing:
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Group D runners-up
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Among four AFC (Asian) teams in knockout rounds
Group Stage Results:
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✅ 1-0 vs Haiti
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❌ 0-1 vs United States
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🤝 1-1 vs Trinidad & Tobago
Known for defensive solidity and tactical discipline under coach Hervé Renard, Saudi Arabia’s matches have been tight affairs—only 4 goals total in their group games, tied for the fewest in the tournament.
Squad Concerns:
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Salem Al Dawsari & Nawaf Al Dawsari are with their clubs for the FIFA Club World Cup
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Defender Abdullah Madu returns to training
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Midfielder Hammam Al-Hamami is out with an ankle injury
Player to Watch: Feras Albrikan
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Most experienced player: 55 caps
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Second in team goals (11)
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Leading attacker: 5 shots in the tournament
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Dominant presence on the flanks
Goal: Upset the reigning champions, echoing their 2022 World Cup victory.
Market Value of the Two Teams
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Mexico National Team: Estimated at €170 million
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Saudi Arabia National Team: Valued around €37 million
Mexico’s higher market value highlights their squad depth and global experience. However, in tournament football, financial worth doesn’t always decide the result—as Saudi Arabia proved in Qatar 2022.
Head-to-Head Record: Mexico's Dominance
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Matches Played: 6
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Mexico Wins: 4
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Draws: 2
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Saudi Wins: 0
Their last encounter? The 2022 World Cup, where Mexico won 2-1, but both teams were eliminated in the group stage. This will be Saudi Arabia's chance for redemption—and Mexico’s opportunity to maintain dominance.
Betting Insights & Expert Predictions
Current Odds:
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Mexico to Win: -200 to -230
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Draw: +310 to +315
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Saudi Arabia to Win: +650 to +655
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Mexico to Advance: -475 favorites
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Over/Under: 2.5 goals
Expert Picks (Martin Green, SportsLine):
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✅ Mexico to win & under 3.5 goals (-110)
Saudi’s low-scoring style aligns with Mexico’s controlled tempo
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✅ Mexico to win to nil (+110)
Saudi has scored only 2 goals (1 penalty) in 3 matches
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✅ Raúl Jiménez to score (+145)
With his form and position, he’s the likeliest to find the net
Predicted Score: Mexico 1 – Saudi Arabia 0
Tactical Take:
Expect a chess match between Mexico’s possession-heavy attack and Saudi Arabia’s resolute, compact defense. The deciding factor could be Mexico’s ability to exploit set pieces or whether Saudi can counter with pace against Mexico’s occasionally high line.
Conclusion: A Gold Cup Moment to Remember
This 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final is more than just a game—it’s a symbolic battle between history and opportunity.
Will Mexico continue their legacy, marching confidently toward yet another trophy? Or will Saudi Arabia pull off another stunning upset, etching their name in Gold Cup folklore?
One thing is certain—football fans can’t afford to miss this clash. Tune in, stream it live, and witness a historic encounter as two distinct footballing worlds collide on the path to continental glory.