It might not be as tough as the US’s group, but Mexico will have a tricky road in Group C at this summer’s Copa América Centenario.
El Tri were drawn with South American power Uruguay, 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup finalist Jamaica and Venezuela. They’ll open the tournament against Uruguay in Phoenix on June 5, face Jamaica at the Rose Bowl on June 9 and close the group stage in Houston against Venezuela on June 13.
Uruguay will likely offer Mexico’s toughest test. Headlined by FC Barcelona star Luis Suarez and Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani, the 15-time Copa América champions are 3-1-0 in their four World Cup qualifying matches, a mark that includes dominant 3-0 wins over Colombia and Chile.
Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio singled out Suarez, who has 25 goals in 24 La Liga games this season, for praise following Sunday’s draw.
“In his moment, Suarez is one of the three best attackers in world football,” Osorio told ESPN FC. “His [attacking] teammates will be different with the national team [than with Barcelona], but without doubt he is a reference point at world level.”
Jamaica will give Mexico plenty to handle, too. Mexico topped the Caribbean nation 3-1 in last summer’s Gold Cup final, but the Reggae Boyz, who beat the US in the tournament’s semifinals, are more than capable of springing an upset against El Tri.
Mexico will be favored to handle Venezuela, currently ranked 81st in the FIFA rankings, in the group finale. If they advance to the quarterfinals, El Tri would likely face Group D’s Argentina or Chile – a prospect Osorio is relishing.
“Cautiously,” Osorio said when asked how he’d approach a potential knockout round date with Argentina or Chile. “With respect to Argentina’s years of history and Chile’s recent history, Mexico is ready to compete on equal terms against anyone.”
