:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54958377/DArhHdqXUAA9NU4.jpg_large.0.jpeg)
Mexico will face their third and final group stage game this Friday when they face group leaders Venezuela. Mexico will face a Venezuelan team that has been one the teams of the tournament after beating Germany and crushing Vanuatu. Mexico sits at four points, and although they have very good possibilities to go through even as a third place team, it still hasn't guaranteed them a spot in the next round.
Mexico has performed below expectation in this tournament so far. In their first game, they got a win in the final minute against Vanuatu, a team most people think is the weakest of the tournament. While they did improve in a draw against Germany, their play was still lackluster and were benefited from a German team that also has been extremely poor. Mexico should face their toughest battle against a Venezuela team that was superior in a victory against Germany and who did live up to expectations when they crushed Vanuatu 7-0. Still, it's a short tournament and with Venezuela already through, they might feel the need to rest players.
That being said, even with all of this, Mexico needs to improve a lot to get a result. A tie would give Venezuela the group and Mexico the ticket to the next round as the second place team of the group, so there is a strong possibility for a draw in today's game. On the other hand, a defeat today will severely hurt Mexico's chances and almost guarantee them a third place finish. Mexico is hoping that the improvement in play will continue and it gives them a ticket to the next round.
Date: Friday, May 26
Time: 1:00 AM Pacific, 3:00 AM Central, 4:00 AM Eastern
Venue: Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon
Television: Telemundo (US-Spanish), Fox Sports 1 (US), TDN (Mexico), Azteca 13 (Mexico), Canal 5 Televisa (Mexico)
Streaming: fuboTV (Free trial + monthly subscription), Fox Sports GO, Fox Soccer 2GO, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo