Mexico World Cup 2022 Predictions, Squad, Manager & Odds

Mexico head to Qatar with hope if not expectation. In attack they have a trio that has the potential to create something special yet there are serious reservations over whether the squad as a whole have the capability to make a mark at the tournament. They have a knack of getting through the groups but stinging defeats - particularly to the USA - have hurt in recent times.

Who is the Mexico manager?

Boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino began his reign with an 11-game unbeaten streak and needs a fresh streak of hot form now. He has a big reputation in the game on both the club and international scene. Among the teams he’s managed are Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona and Atlanta United as well as Argentina and now Mexico. 

Traditionally he is a coach that likes to press high and attack fast. He also allows a sense of creativity within his ranks and will encourage single minded decision making. 

What tactics can we expect from them at the World Cup?

Predicting Mexico’s style of play is not easy given that everything around the team has been pretty inconsistent in recent times, but we should expect a 4-3-3 formation. They do keep the ball but when it comes to actually springing an attack it is likely to be through direct over the top passes that allow key forward players to flourish.

Who are the players to watch for Mexico?

Much of the time the key will be to find Hirving Lozano as the wide areas are likely to be important in Mexico having luck when they look for goals. One main trait of Mexico is that they generally have freedom to try shots or passes that many other nations would be asked not to attempt. Maybe that is what gives them an edge at this tournament. 

Alexis Vega is one to watch, a forward player often used on the wing and there is an expectation he will play on the opposite flank to Lozano. There is no doubt this is a player with good goalscoring instinct. He is creative as well as fast and we should expect him to use one-two’s to exploit defensive weaknesses and to have no fear when the chance comes for a first time shot.

His chance at the World Cup has come at the expense of Jesus Corona, one of the key players who has been ruled out of the World Cup to injury. Vega is a great replacement option and perhaps a wildcard that can help them surprise the teams in their group.

Who is favourite to be top scorer for Mexico?

Most people will expect Raul Jimenez to feature as the main man for goals here but Hirving Lozano is more likely to be the guy to shine. You will often hear him referred to by his nickname if Chucky and the tactics of this team will mean that even though he is considered as a wide forward, he will get plenty of opportunities and could be a big star at the tournament.

Lozano, 27, plays for Napoli and has experience and nous that is going to be important in Qatar to this group of players. His shooting is fierce and accurate and he has a big reputation in the game. 

How did Mexico qualify for the World Cup?

Mexico finished 2nd in Concacaf qualifying but lost games against both USA and Canada and that is a warning sign for them ahead of the World Cup.

The truth is, even though actually qualifying for the tournament was pretty straightforward, it was very unremarkable and those defeats cost them the chance to win the group. They scored 17 goals from 14 matches which was fewer than both their main rivals in the group.

What are the ambitions for this Mexico team?

Mexico’s main aim has to be to make it out of the group stage. Their first match against Poland will give us a very early indication as to whether that is likely because if they lose, they could be out by the time they play Saudi Arabia in the final game. Their other opponent is Argentina and the prospect of beating them seems low as we prepare for Qatar.

El Tri have made the Last 16 at the past 7 World Cup tournaments so it has become somewhat of an expectation from a nation of obsessed followers.

Their big concern here is that they have to keep Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi at bay if they are to get through again.

Mexico World Cup Odds

If they do get through the group and indeed go all the way, you can get Mexico at 200/1 to win the tournament. They have an experienced core that can help make through for the unreliable set of players around them in this tournament.

Mexico World Cup prediction from oddschecker

Mexico are in a tough group this year and we expect them to struggle. Argentina are the obvious winners of the group so it realistically comes down to Mexico and Poland for that second spot. 

Poland have a stacked team with players playing in Europe’s elite league’s so we can see them claiming that 2nd place. We think they’ll be better than Saudi Arabia, but not Argentina and Poland. A Group stage elimination for the Mexicans.