Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Mexico will look to sneak into the World Cup last 16 with a win over Saudi Arabia in their last group game. El Tri failed to impress in a 2-0 loss to Argentina, but they are seen as hot favourites to beat Herve Renard’s troops. Mexico need a big win in the decider as goal difference is the tie breaker, and they are likely to go all guns blazing at Saudi Arabia. Andres Guardado has been ruled out with injury, with fellow midfielder Erick Gutierrez likely to step up.
The nominal hosts, on the other hand, failed to claim yet another major scalp at the showpiece tournament in Qatar, with the team losing to Poland in their second group game. Mexico are more of a team than Saudi Arabia, and we predict that Tata Martino’s men are going to prove their worth on the field. Midfielder Abdulelah Al Maiki misses the Mexico clash through suspension.
Highlighted Player (Raul Jimenez):
Argentine forward Raul Jimenez began his career within the youth ranks of Club America, a club he went on to play 102 matches in all competitions and score 39 goals for before his 2014 move to Atletico Madrid. Despite signing a six-year deal with La Liga outfit in a reported transfer fee worth €11 million, Raul Jimenez never really managed to get his foot on the ground with the Colchineros.
After only 21 games and one goal for Atletico Madrid, the Mexico international moved to Portugal after his collapsed loan move to West Ham. Raul Jimenez missed the flight to London after reportedly oversleeping, but various reports suggest that he was advised by his agent Jorge Mendes to choose Benfica instead.
Portuguese giants initially acquired 50% of the player’s economic rights, while the remaining share of Jimenez’s contract was purchased in the summer of 2016 for a fee believed to be around €12 million. During his maiden season with the Eagles Mexico international played 28 Primeira Liga games, contributing with five goals during the process.