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There is a huge game in America’s ambition to reach the World Cup in Qatar next year this weekend. The top two in the third round of qualifying clash on Friday night, with the winning team likely to stand the best chance of finishing top of the group. However, defeat for either would give Canada the opportunity to pounce.

USA vs Mexico Odds

USA+200
Draw+200
Mexico+160
Over 2 Goals-117
Under 2 Goals-103

USA vs Mexico Preview

America Playing Catch-Up

It hasn’t been the easiest qualifying campaign for the United States to this point, as they sit second in the standings. They have a three-point deficit to Mexico, but don’t have the biggest cushion to sit on over Canada. The Canadian national side are just one point behind the US. However, the importance difference is the three points between themselves and Panama. 

America have already lost once in qualification so far, but have won the second highest number of games after six rounds of fixtures. America bounced back from a shock defeat against Panama in October by beating Costa Rica on home soil. They won both of their home games in the October international break, with their other success coming against Jamaica. However, they come into this as outsiders in the betting, as Mexico are the narrow favorites. 

Mexico Can Pull Clear

For Mexico, their challenge is pretty clear coming into this match on Friday. If they can get the win on American soil, then they could pull six points clear of their nearest rivals. It would also give them a big advantage over the teams in third and fourth going into an important stage in the qualification. Mexico are unbeaten in the games that they have played in this stage of qualification, as they have won four of the six games that they have played. 

No side has scored more goals than Mexico either, while they also have the best defensive record, having allowed just three goals to this point. Mexico’s last international fixture was in a friendly game against Ecuador in October. However, they were beaten 3-2 by the South American side on that occasion. 

Recent Meetings Between Nations

Mexico have won the majority of their fixtures against America, as they have picked up 38 wins. However, the United States have achieved the success in the most recent games, as they have won twice. Their most recent win came in the Gold Cup, winning 1-0 at the beginning of August. Mexico’s last win against America came in an international friendly in September 2019.

USA vs Mexico Pick

This is a massive game for both Mexico and the United States in terms of qualification. They can’t afford to drop points here given the form that Canada have shown in the first six rounds of games. However, Mexico have the best record to this point, and look much stronger following the return of Raul Jimenez.

Pick: Mexico