Arlington meeting | Head coach Jesse Marsch expects tough test against Mexican rivals

Despite Mexico’s failure at the Copa America this summer and the firing of head coach Jaime Lozano after failing to qualify for the knockout stage, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch is expecting a tough test on Tuesday when the two CONCACAF rivals meet in Arlington, Texas.

Canadians, ranked 40^ehave just secured a 2-1 victory over the United States, ranked 16th^eSaturday in Kansas City. It was Canada’s first victory against the Americans, in the United States, since 1957.

Canada will now face the Mexicans, ranked 17th.^eother co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Like the United States, currently under interim head coach Mikey Varas while the U.S. Soccer Federation concludes negotiations with former Tottenham and Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Mexicans are in transition.

“But don’t get me wrong. We expect to play a very good team, an organized team, a team with more energy and more commitment, especially with a new head coach. These players are going to want to demonstrate that they want to be involved in the project for the long term.”

Mexico are back under the tutelage of veteran Javier Aguirre, who began his third stint with the national team with a 3-0 win over New Zealand, 94^e in the standings at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday.

“We expect a very, very difficult match. [mardi] and we’re preparing to face a smart team, a mobile team, a talented, gifted, committed team,” Marsch continued.

Aguirre, 65, has previously coached the national teams of Japan and Egypt. His stint with clubs includes stops in Mexico, Spain and the United Arab Emirates.

Canada and Mexico last met in November 2021 in World Cup qualifying in the chilly confines of Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium, nicknamed “Iceteca,” in a play on Mexico City’s famed Estadio Azteca.

A 2-1 victory secured Canada first place in its qualifying group, which included Mexico.

“I think we’ll remember this game forever,” said Canadian vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio, referring to teammate Sam Adekugbe jumping into a snowbank next to the field to celebrate one of Cyle Larin’s two goals.

“Incredible moments. And we hope to repeat that [mardi]. »

The victory over the United States this weekend was Canada’s first match since finishing fourth at the Copa America.

While Canada is undefeated in its last two outings (1-0-1) against Mexico, its career record against the longtime CONCACAF powerhouse is 5-20-9. The Canadians are 1-7-3 against Mexico since a 2-1 quarterfinal victory in February 2000 en route to their famous Gold Cup triumph.

Canada’s goals against the United States came thanks to relentless pressure from the Canadian group. Marsch promised to repeat the same thing Tuesday, while noting the Mexicans are adept at operating in tight spaces.

“We know they’re good with the ball,” Marsch said. “We know they have a lot of players who are mobile and creative. It’s going to be important for us to play a disciplined game, a game where we put good defensive pressure and make it difficult for their talented, mobile players.”

The Canadians lost Alistair Johnston to a hamstring injury in the game against the United States. The Celtic defender was replaced by Adekugbe, whose initial arrival in camp was delayed by injury.

The Canadians will next play at BMO Field in Toronto, where they will host 35th-ranked Panama.^ein a friendly match on Oct. 15. Marsch said Canada Soccer is working on another match that could be different from a routine international match.

Mexico has already announced such plans, with a match on October 12 against Spanish club Valencia.

“We will do something similar, but we are not yet ready to announce what we will do,” Marsch said.

Canada is 2-3-4 since Marsch took over last May.

Marsch said Canada Soccer is also considering holding camps for non-European players, attracting young talent from the CPL and MLS.