Mexico and United States play international friendly match in Glendale
The Mexico national football team faces the United States at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 20:00 hours, with broadcast coverage managed across multiple television and digital networks. The international friendly marks the third match for El Tri under manager Rafael Márquez following the 2026 World Cup.
Glendale Preparations for the North American Clásico
The State Farm Stadium in Glendale hosts the high-profile fixture as part of the October FIFA international window. The match begins at 20:00 hours on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The venue accommodates supporters for what is termed the CONCACAF Classic or North American Clásico.
Roster Selections Under Rafael Márquez and Mauricio Pochettino
Manager Rafael Márquez enters the fixture following recent friendly draws, utilizing an expanded squad that features domestic and European-based talent. The roster includes Raúl Rangel, Alex Padilla, and Óscar García, alongside defenders and midfielders such as Mateo Chávez, Obed Vargas, and Álvaro Fidalgo. Meanwhile, the United States squad operates under manager Mauricio Pochettino, who remained in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup after falling to Belgium.
Young prospect Gilberto Mora joined training sessions despite an ankle concern, making him available for selection. The previous encounter between the two national sides occurred during the Gold Cup final, where Mexico secured a victory behind goals from Raúl Jiménez and Edson Álvarez, though neither player features in the current October squad.
Broadcast Channels and Viewing Options Across Platforms
Viewers can access live coverage of the fixture through multiple broadcast mediums. Open television broadcasts air on Canal 5 and Azteca 7, while digital streaming options comprise Amazon Prime Video, Claro Sports, ViX, and TV Azteca’s official website. Real-time match scores remain accessible via online search metrics for fans tracking the game remotely.
Historical Match Statistics Between Mexico and the United States
Historical data positions the Mexican selection with an advantage across past meetings. In 78 total matches played between the two federations, Mexico records 38 victories, 17 draws, and 28 losses, accompanied by a positive goal differential of 56. Following the Glendale fixture, the Mexican squad travels to face Chile on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, closing out the international window before resuming CONCACAF Nations League competition.
Coaching Staff yet to Confirm Starting Lineup
Questions persist regarding tactical formations following criticism of player deployment during prior friendly matches against Peru and Colombia. While specific player performances from Mateo Chávez and Obed Vargas drew positive analysis in previous outings, the coaching staff has yet to confirm the definitive starting lineup for the Glendale encounter against Pochettino’s squad.
Mexico Lineup Featured Players from Various Clubs
The lineup utilized in the match against Peru featured Óscar García de León, Mateo Chávez of AZ Alkmaar, Jeremy Márquez of Cruz Azul, Víctor Guzmán of Rayados, Everardo López of Toluca, Obed Vargas of Atlético de Madrid, Denzell García of Juárez, Álvaro Fidalgo of Real Betis, Isaías Violante of América, Orbelín Pineda of Rayados, and Germán Berterame of LA Galaxy. During the second half of that match, players from Chivas—including Diego Campillo, Luis Romo, Hugo Camberos, Santiago Sandoval, and Roberto Alvarado—alongside Santiago Giménez of Porto, entered the game. Mexico scored a single goal in that fixture at the 49th minute through Víctor Guzmán, while commentary highlighted the performances of Mateo Chávez as player of the match, alongside Obed Vargas and Álvaro Fidalgo, amid complaints regarding the initial deployment chosen by Rafael Márquez.