Mexico begin their title defense at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup with high expectations, entering the tournament as reigning champions. Their campaign kicks off with a Group A clash against the Dominican Republic, just one year out from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After winning the 2023 edition, El Tri aim to go back-to-back and reaffirm their dominance in regional soccer.
While they are far from a finished product, things are trending upward for head coach Javier Aguirre and his squad. Fresh off a 2025 Concacaf Nations League title in March, Mexico enter the Gold Cup among the tournament favorites, alongside the United States and Canada.
Their group-stage journey begins Saturday against the Dominican Republic, followed by matchups against Suriname and Costa Rica. Should they advance, the knockout rounds promise tougher challenges and a true test of the squad’s depth and resilience.
Mexico’s confirmed lineup
Mexico will rely on key attacking options such as Raúl Jiménez and Santiago Giménez to generate offense and build chemistry ahead of the World Cup. However, the squad will be without some familiar faces, including Hirving Lozano, Henry Martín, Luis Romo and Chicharito Hernandez, who miss the tournament due to injury or rest.
In light of these absences, Mexico will start with the following XI: Luis Malagón; Jorge Sánchez, Cesar Montes, Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo; Roberto Alvarado, Edson Álvarez, Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda; Raul Jiménez, Santiago Giménez. The lineup blends veteran experience with young, emerging talent as they look to maintain momentum in competitive play.
Dominican Republic’s confirmed lineup
The standout news from the Dominican Republic roster is the inclusion of former Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz, who joins the squad despite not playing a club match since May 2024 with Sevilla. Diaz has failed to score in over 1,100 days, raising questions about his fitness and form heading into the tournament.
Given his lack of match rhythm and struggles in front of goal, Díaz will not start. Dominican Republic will open the tournament with this lineup: Xavier Valdez; Joao Urbaez, Edgar Pujol, Noah Dollenmayer, Pablo Rosario; Jean Carlos Lopez, Edarlyn Reyes, Heinz Morschel; Dorny Romero, Jimmy Kaparos, Peter Gonzalez.