Mexico look to bounce back and get World Cup preparation back on track as they host Ecuador at Estadio Akron on Tuesday.
El Tri were pummeled by Colombia on Saturday, ending a nine-match unbeaten run that had included the entire summer Gold Cup en route to the CONCACAF trophy. Yet a 4-0 defeat to the 13th-ranked Cafeteros left head coach Javier Aguirre searching for answers and others wondering how their World Cup preparation is progressing.
Mexico out-shot Colombia 10-7, but the South Americans had by far the better chances while defending stoutly on the back end.
Looking for a reprieve, they will take on 24th-ranked Ecuador side that scraped together a 1-1 draw with the United States on Friday despite being outplayed for much of the match.
MORE: All you need to know about how the World Cup draw will work in December
Mexico vs. Ecuador lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news
Mexico head coach Aguirre has rotated significantly in midfield over the past few international windows, hoping to find the right mix of players around regular No. 6 Edson Alvarez. Rising into a consistent role is Marcel Ruiz, while the third spot rotates through Orbelin Pineda, Erick Sanchez, Carlos Rodriguez, and Erik Lira.
Alvarez and Raul Jimenez withdrew from the squad for October due to injuries, with the former only just recovered from an injury suffered in the September window, while Jimenez remained in England after missing Fulham's last match before the break.
Former superstar Hirving "Chucky" Lozano is back in the national-team fold thanks to good club form in his debut season at San Diego FC, with three goals and two assists in his last eight MLS appearances. Gold Cup final starter Gilberto Mora is not with the group as he is part of the U-20 World Cup squad, along with Obed Vargas.
Mexico predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Malagon (GK) — J. Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo — Lira, Ruiz, C. Rodriguez — Vega, Gimenez, Lozano
Full Mexico squad
Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo, Luis Malagon, Raul Rangel
Defenders: Kevin Alvarez, Mateo Chavez, Jesus Gallardo, Ramon Juarez, Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez, Israel Reyes, Johan Vasquez
Midfielders: Alexis Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda, Carlos Rodriguez, Luis Romo, Marcel Ruiz, Erick Sanchez
Forwards: German Berterame, Santiago Gimenez, Cesar Huerta, Diego Lainez, Hirving Lozano, Julian Quinones, Alexis Vega.
There are a few big-name absentees from the Ecuador national team this international break.
Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie is missing due to a groin injury. Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo is out of the international fold for now due to fitness concerns, with Blues head coach Enzo Maresca saying that while he has been able to play for his club, he is playing "injured" and is "not well."
Gonzalo Plata is in the same boat as Caicedo, playing through a knee injury for his club Flamengo and given the international break to rest up.
Ecuador predicted starting XI (4-4-1-1, right to left): Galindez (GK) — Preciado, Ordonez, Pacho, Estupinan — Franco, Alcivar, Vite, Yeboah — Paez — Valencia
Full Ecuador roster
Goalkeepers: Hernan Galindez, Cristhian Loor, Moises Ramirez, Gonzalo Valle
Defenders: Xavier Arreaga, Jhoanner Chavez, Pervis Estupinan, Joel Ordonez, Willian Pacho, Angelo Preciado, Cristian Ramirez, Felix Torres
Midfielders: Jordy Alcivar, Denil Castillo, Alan Franco, Darwin Guagua, Yaimar Medina, Patrik Mercado, Alan Minda, Kendry Paez, Bryan Ramirez, Pedro Vite, John Yeboah
Forwards: Nilson Angulo, Leonardo Campana, John Mercado, Kevin Rodriguez, Enner Valencia.
Mexico vs. Ecuador match details
- Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 8:30 p.m. local (10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT)
- Location: Estadio Akron (Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico)
- Last meeting: Mexico 0-0 Ecuador (Jun. 30, 2024 | Copa America)