The Mexican national team will travel to Jamaica in seek of rebound qualification performance after losing matches to the United States and Canada and falling out of the top spot in the octagonal standings in the previous international break. In their last meeting in September, Mexico won 2-1 but Michail Antonio didn’t play in that match and will give Mexico something different to think about in their second meeting. Jamaica drew the United States in November so they’ve also shown that they can hold their own against tough opposition in Kingston.
Here’s are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
Date: Thursday, Jan 27 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Independence Park — Kingston, Jamaica
TV: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Jamaica +400; Draw +200; Mexico -130 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Jamaica: Without Leon Bailey, who’s sidelined with a muscular injury, the speed will need to be supplied by Bobby Reid on the break for Jamaica. They’ll likely look to counter against Mexico as the midfield isn’t strong enough to win a possession game. Only scoring six goals in World Cup qualifying so far, they’ll need to put as much hope on Antonio’s giant shoulders to frustrate Mexico and secure a result.
Mexico: El Tri are talented but have let lapses take them out of matches against quality opposition during this qualifying cycle. As Concacaf improves, they’ve been tested more than in years past and stand a real chance of ending up in the World Cup playoff instead of securing automatic qualification. If Raul Jimenez and Hirving Lozano can get things going, there won’t be any questions on who will win this game but anything could happen.
Prediction
Jamaica absorbs pressure from Mexico to protect their home stadium. Pick: Jamaica 1, Mexico 1
