MIAMI – Mexico will look to win and advance to the knockout stage as it meets Ecuador in the final matchday of Group B at the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
After winning its opening match against Jamaica, Mexico lost to Venezuela in its second encounter. Tied on three points with Ecuador, a win is necessary for Mexico to advance to the next round as one of the top two teams in the group.
Julio Gonzalez has six saves through two matches as Mexico’s starting goalkeeper. The only goal conceded has come from the penalty spot against Venezuela.
Gerardo Arteaga scored Mexico’s only goal of the tournament in the match against Jamaica. Luis Chavez leads the team with seven shots on target.
Mexico will be without captain Edson Alvarez after an injury in the opening match sidelined the midfielder. Cesar Montes wore the captain’s armband in the match with Venezuela.
Ecuador also lost its meeting with Venezuela on the group's opening matchday. Jeremy Sarmiento scored the lone goal in the 2-1 loss. Ecuador was reduced to ten men in that encounter when Enner Valencia, who will return from suspension, received a red card.
A 3-1 win over Jamaica on Wednesday gave the South Americans their first three points of the campaign, placing them second in the group on goal difference.
Piero Hincapie caused the first goal against Jamaica, recorded as an own goal on Kasey Palmer, before Kendry Paez and Alan Minda extended the lead.
Mexico has only failed to advance from the group stage on two of its past ten Copa America participations. Ecuador reached the quarterfinals in the 2021 edition and is looking for a consecutive trip to the knockout round.
Head-To-Head
- Mexico vs. Ecuador
In the Copa America, Mexico has won 2 of the last 3 encounters, losing 1. The last time they faced each other in the group stage, Ecuador won 2-1 in 2015 with goals by Miler Bolaños (26’) and Enner Valencia (57’); Raúl Jiménez (64’) scored for Mexico.
They have met 5 times in the Copa America, with 3 wins for Mexico, 1 draw (Mexico won on penalties), and 1 win for Ecuador.
In the Copa America group stage, they will face each other for the 4th time:
- Peru 2004 | Group B | Mexico 2 (Héctor Altamirano 26’, Adolfo Bautista 42’) vs. Ecuador 1 (Agustín Delgado 71’).
- Venezuela 2007 | Group B | Mexico 2 (Nery Castillo 21’, Omar Bravo 80’) vs. Ecuador 1 (Edison Méndez 85’).
- Chile 2015 | Group A | Mexico 1 (Raúl Jiménez 64’) vs. Ecuador 2 (Miler Bolaños 26’, Enner Valencia 57’).
All-Time series: 25 matches
15 wins for Mexico
6 draws
4 wins for Ecuador
43 goals for Mexico
26 goals for Ecuador