Searching to advance to the Round of 16 for the eighth consecutive time in a World Cup, Mexico is up against the ropes heading into the third and final match of the group stage in Qatar.
Based on FIFA rankings and projections, Mexico was considered one of the two teams that would get out of the group and into the knockout stage. With only one point in two games, Mexico must defeat Saudi Arabia to even qualify for the Round of 16 — and winning alone might not be enough.
With major offensive struggles, Mexico has failed to score a goal in the tournament and is in danger of being eliminated if El Tri does not get the three points against Saudi Arabia. Mexico also needs help from either Poland or Argentina to clinch a spot in the next round.
Here are the possible scenarios for Mexico in Group C:
Mexico can advance if:
Poland beats Argentina by any score + Mexico beats Saudi Arabia by any score
Argentina beats Poland 1-0 + Mexico beats Saudi Arabia by three goals
Argentina and Poland tie + Mexico beats Saudi Arabia 4-0
Argentina beats Poland 4-0 + Mexico beats Saudi Arabia by any score
Mexico wins by 4 goals
World Cup watch parties in LA
Need to be around others to watch El Tri's Wednesday match. There will be several watch parties across Los Angeles where you can enjoy (or suffer) together with family and friends.
The match is set to kick off at 11 a.m. PT, so it syncs perfectly for most Angelenos with their lunch time on a working day. Although LAFC will not host an official watch party, there will be plenty of options throughout the City of Angels to watch the game.
Sage Restaurant & Lounge, 6511 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
Join this FREE event where there will be a special breakfast menu, drinks specials, raffles, giveaways, 16 large HDTV's, and one giant theatre screen. The match will be televised in Spanish where all ages are welcome as there will be plenty of seating available.
Candela La Brea, 831 South La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tickets for this 21+ event are $20, which includes admission and one free draft beer. Doors open at 10:30 am P.T. and seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will be a taco bar, live DJ, and drink specials. Click here for tickets.
Big Al's, 4120 E 4th St, Ontario, CA 91764
ESPN LA and Estrella Jalisco are partnering together to host a series of watch parties in support of the Mexican National Football Team. Come out to Big Al’s to watch the game, win prizes, and party with ESPN LA and Estrella Jalisco!
BIG's Fullerton, 323 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831
ESPN LA and Estrella Jalisco are partnering together to host a series of watch parties in support of the Mexican National Football Team.
Come out BIG’S to support the team, win prizes, and party with ESPN LA and Estrella Jalisco!
Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet, 13963 Alondra Blvd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Estrella Jalisco presents one of the biggest parties to watch Mexico in the World Cup. Doors open at 8 a.m. PT, admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Food, drinks, and Mexican snacks will be available for purchase. Also, there will be a post-match concert by Banda Maguey.