Mexico will host Ecuador at Akron Stadium, dwelling of Chivas de Guadalajara, for its second match of the October worldwide break. Seeking to bounce again after a heavy loss to Colombia, questions stay over whether or not star striker Santiago Giménez will begin.
El Tri return from the US after struggling a dominant 4-0 defeat to Colombia at AT&T Stadium. After reaching halftime down 1-0, Mexico didn’t create clear possibilities in opposition to David Ospina’s purpose and confirmed defensive vulnerability that led to a lopsided loss. The end result put coach Javier Aguirre underneath intense scrutiny, with followers and media calling for his dismissal.
Ecuador, in the meantime, arrive in Mexico following a 1-1 draw in opposition to one other 2026 World Cup co-host, the USMNT. Through the September worldwide break, La Tricolor achieved its best-ever begin to a CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying marketing campaign, sitting second behind Argentina — the identical place they held forward of the 2002 World Cup. Now, Sebastian Beccacece’s squad continues its preparations for 2026 with friendlies in opposition to Mexico and Canada in November.
Mexico and Ecuador have confronted one another 24 instances, with the North American aspect holding 14 wins, the South American crew successful 4, and 6 attracts. Nevertheless, in Mexico’s final ten matchups in opposition to CONMEBOL nations, El Tri has managed simply two victories, one draw, and 7 defeats — the one wins coming in opposition to Peru in 2022 and Bolivia in 2024.
Johan Vasquez of Mexico battles for possession with Jordy Caicedo of Ecuador.
A number of adjustments for Mexico
Mexico emerged as considered one of North America’s high sides after successful the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, however back-to-back attracts in opposition to South Korea and Japan in September, adopted by the 4-0 loss to Colombia, have raised doubts about El Tri’s potential to compete with groups exterior the area. The criticism has now reached head coach Javier Aguirre, who is predicted to make a number of adjustments for the Ecuador match, prompting doubts about star Gimenez as a starter.
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At Monday’s press convention, Aguirre confirmed that he plans to rotate “seven to eight” gamers and delivered a robust message to his squad: “In the event that they don’t do nicely what’s requested of them, they don’t have a spot right here. I do know I’m accountable as a result of I select them and inform them how and what to do—that’s why I receives a commission. They’ve social media and are uncovered, so if they will’t isolate themselves, they haven’t any enterprise being right here. If they will’t deal with it, then they’re not lower out for this.“
Projected lineups for Mexico and Ecuador
Mexico’s projected lineups (4-3-3): Carlos Acevedo; Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vásquez, Mateo Chávez; Erik Lira, Marcel Ruiz, Carlos Rodríguez; Julian Quiñones, Santiago Giménez, German Berterame.
Head coach: Javier Aguirre.
Ecuador’s projected lineups (4-2-3-1): Hernan Galíndez; Alan Franco, Joel Ordoñez, William Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán; Jordy Alcívar, Pedro Vite, Angelo Preciado, John Yeboah, Kendry Páez; Enner Valencia.
Head coach: Sebastian Beccacece.
