Mexico Faces Uphill Battle in Nations League Quarter-Final Against Honduras

The Mexican national football team is set to face a critical match against Honduras in the second leg of the Concacaf Nations League 2024-2025 quarter-finals. The match will be played at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca, as Mexico seeks to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg against the Central American side.

In the previous encounter, Mexico was defeated 2-0 by Honduras. The match ended controversially when Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, was injured by a thrown beverage can after the final whistle. The incident has escalated tensions as Mexico prepares to host the deciding match.

The away goals rule is in effect for this series, meaning a goal from Honduras could severely complicate Mexico’s chances of progressing to the semifinals despite playing at home. Historical results echo this challenge, as Honduras last triumphed on Mexican soil in a 2-1 victory during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, a match famously labeled the ‘Aztecazo.’

Mexican fans are hopeful despite concerns over the national team’s recent form. Playing at 20:30 local time on Tuesday, November 19th, the team will be buoyed by a sold-out crowd at Estadio Nemesio Diez. Criticism of the team’s recent performances includes doubts about first-team choices and style of play, with Guillermo Ochoa‘s position as goalkeeper under scrutiny after the last defeat.

Prominent figures such as midfielder Edson Álvarez are expected to be crucial in Mexico’s efforts to mount a comeback. However, there is ongoing concern about the team’s lack of creativity and coherence in their strategy, often relying on chance rather than calculated plays to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Failure to progress against Honduras could demote Mexico to seeking entry into the 2025 Gold Cup through a repechage in March, which would represent a significant decline in status for what was once considered the «Giant of Concacaf.» This would involve competing against already qualified teams like Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, and Martinique.

The match will be broadcast live in Mexico on Canal 5, TUDN, and ViX, while viewers in the United States can watch through Univision, TUDN, and ViX.