The first official test is here for Rafa Marquez.
The former Mexico player took over as manager after the 2026 World Cup. He wasn't able to get a win in his first four matches, but there is little margin for error in his first official contest, the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal with Jamaica.
The team is in Kingston facing a number of questions. First, with veteran forward Raul Jimenez still injured, who wll score the goals?
The manager has both Santi Gimenez and Armando "Hormiga" Gonzalez as options at the No. 9, and Julian Quiñones is back with the national team this month after missing the September-October window. While he has mostly played as a winger with El Tri, he often plays in the center of attack for his club, Al
Qadsiah.
There also are doubts about fullback, where right back Rodrigo Huescas returns after an ACL tear kept him out of the 2026 World Cup. He'll hope to win the starting job, but Israel Reyes may still push to hold it down. On the left, Jesus Gallardo provides a consistent presence, but many fans are hoping to see AZ defender Mateo Chavez surpass him.
Marquez will look for a strong showing from star midfielder Gilberto Mora, back on the field after suffering an injury and missing the final three matches of Mexico's previous window.
Here's how El Tri could line up against the Reggae Boyz.
Mexico predicted lineup today
Lineups will be officially announced an hour before kickoff
Goalkeeper: Raul "Tala" Rangel
Defenders: Rodrigo Huescas, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo
Midfielders: Gilberto Mora, Erik Lira, Erick Sanchez
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Santiago Gimenez, Julian Quiñones
Jamaica vs. Mexico channel, start time, streaming
- When: Saturday, November 14
- Where: National Stadium (Kingston, Jamaica)
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: Univision (Watch LIVE on Fubo), TUDN, ViX (Watch on Prime Video)
Mexico vs Jamaica pick and odds
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mexico predicted starting lineup vs. Jamaica today: Santi or Hormiga up top?
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