Mexico vs Jamaica score, result as El Tri advance to CONCACAF ...

After a shaky but profitable trip to Suriname, Mexico and new head coach Diego Cocca technically needed just a point to see El Tri advance to the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals, but they would have been looking for more than just the bare minimum to satisfy restless Estadio Azteca fans.

Unfortunately for El Tri, the bare minimum was all they could muster as they played to a 2-2 draw with Jamaica that ensured they would advance as group winners, but left much to be desired in their on-field performance. Mexico were consistently vulnerable on the counter, and wasted chances up front as they looked to put the end result away.

Just like in Kingston last summer, El Tri were stunned early as Bobby Decordova-Reid produced a sensational opener just seven minutes in, rifling a golazo into the top corner and set the tone. However, Orbelin Pineda was on hand 10 minutes later to see Mexico back level with a tap-in after good work by Hirving "Chucky" Lozano.

Jamaica would go in front as Edson Alvarez saw a corner delivery deflect off his thigh and into the back of the net just past the half-hour mark, but Lozano would dispatch a penalty just before halftime to again pull even. In the second half, both sides botched excellent chances to take the lead, but the hosts were far more wasteful, much to the ire of the Estadio Azteca fans who booed players consistently and chanted the names of unused substitutes. Chucky Lozano clattered the crossbar in the first half, so close to a wonder goal, and Diego Lainez did the same near the end in his 27-minute cameo.

By the final whistle, it felt like everyone in the stadium had lost. Diego Cocca and his Mexico squad were moving on, but the fans made it quite clear that wasn't enough. Jamaica, for their positive efforts on the counter all match, fell just short of the necessary goal to secure a spot in the semifinals. Even the fans, who made their opinions known throughout, had to sit through a 20-minute weather delay as the rain and thunder serenaded the legendary stadium.

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) March 27, 2023

The Sporting News followed the Mexico vs Jamaica match live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happened.

MORE: Read about how "Chucky" Lozano got his nickname and about his chant from Mexico fans

Mexico vs Jamaica final score   1H 2H Score Mexico 2 0 2 Jamaica 2 0 2

Goals:
7th min — JAM — Bobby Decordova-Reid
17th min — MEX — Orbelin Pineda
32nd min — JAM — Edson Alvarez (OG)
45+1 min — MEX — Hirving Lozano (pen)

Nations League Group A final standings Pos Nation Pts W-L-D GD 1. Mexico 8 2-0-2 +5 1. Jamaica 6 1-1-2 +2 3. Suriname 1 0-3-1 -7

Starting lineups:

Mexico (4-2-3-1, right to left): 13. Ochoa (GK) — 19. J. Sanchez (J. Araujo, 78'), 3. Montes, 15. Moreno, 23. Gallardo — 4. E. Alvarez, 7. Romo — 18. Chavez, 10. Pineda (Lainez, 63'), 22. Lozano — 20. Martin (Jimenez, 63').

Jamaica (4-4-2, right to left): 23. Waite (GK) — 21. J. Brown, 5. Pinnock, 17. D. Lowe (Mariappa, 83'), 4. Bell — 14. De Cordova-Reid, 10. Morrison (Russell, 66'), 8. D. Johnson (Burke, 83'), 7. Bailey — 18. J. Lowe (K. Lawrence, 66'), 11. Nicholson.

Mexico vs Jamaica live updates, highlights, commentary FULLTIME: Mexico 2-2 Jamaica

It's an entertaining match from two flawed sides with attacking intent, but both will be frustrated with the final result. The draw means that Mexico advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Nations League, but they do so in somewhat ugly fashion.

Meanwhile, Jamaica fall short despite a spirited effort that saw them twice take a lead only to be pegged back pretty quickly both times. Full credit to the Reggae Boyz who came into a tough place to play in bad weather and made the most of it!

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 27, 2023 Mexico vs Jamaica: Second Half

90+6 min: Guillermo Ochoa with another save as he tips a free-kick from way far away over the bar!

90+3 min: Chance, Mexico! Hirving Lozano inches wide! A great cross by Jesus Gallardo meets a crashing Lozano, under heavy pressure, and his redirect just drags agonizingly wide of the far post!

89th min: Raul Jimenez makes a bad decision, trying to shoot from an impossible angle on the right instead of looking to find Chucky Lozano who was wide open atop the six-yard box. The Wolves frontman has been very poor off the bench tonight.

Egoísta, Raul Jimenez.

— mauricio pedroza (@mauriciopedroza) March 27, 2023

Que mal anda Raúl Jiménez. Lamentablemente se le nota en cada jugada que participa.

— ⚽️Karim Mendiburu ???? (@KarimDeportes) March 27, 2023

87th min: Chance, Jamaica! Memo Ochoa to the rescue again! Cory Burke is able to create space around a Mexican defender but Ochoa produces a kick save! Jamaica recycle the attack and have the ball on the doorstep again, in a complete scrum, but Ochoa is fouled, ending the chance. He's come up huge twice tonight!

83rd min: Damion Lowe wanted to re-enter the pitch, but he's been instead replaced by Adrian Mariappa. Red Bulls striker Cory Burke also enters the pitch for Jamaica, replacing Daniel Johnson. The announced attendance at Estadio Azteca is 65,763 in the gross weather.

78th min: The game's first yellow card is shown to Raul Jimenez for obliterating Damion Lowe through the back on an aerial duel. Lowe requires lengthy treatment while laying on the ground. Looks like he took a knee from Jimenez right to the ribs. He's helped onto the cart and wheeled off so the match can continue.

During the stoppage, Julian Araujo comes in off the bench for the second game this international window, replacing Jorge Sanchez at right-back.

76th min: Chance, Mexico! DIEGO LAINEZ STRAIGHT OFF THE CROSSBAR! Just like Chucky Lozano did in the first half, now the substitute clatters the woodwork! He takes a left-footed rip that may have taken a very slight deflection, and it's only the bar to deny him. El Tri have an increased sense of urgency over the past few minutes, but must still be aware of the Jamaican counter-attack danger.

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 27, 2023

73rd min: Leon Bailey flubs another huge counter-attack chance, with a two-on-two opportunity ruined by a terrible pass that's right to the feet of a Mexican defender as he tries to find his teammate in support.

70th min: Chance, Mexico! HOW HAS RAUL JIMENEZ MISSED THAT?!? The goal was WIDE OPEN, fed by Jesus Gallardo, but he manages to drag it wide left despite having the entire goal to shoot at! The result is a corner, so it must have taken some kind of deflection, but there was nobody in the way! What a miss, with a chance to take the lead!

The Mexico fans, who have been ruthless tonight, start chanting "Santi! Santi!" in the aftermath of the miss, calling for Santi Gimenez who they apparently wanted to see off the bench instead of Raul.

— TUDN MEX (@TUDNMEX) March 27, 2023

69th min: Jamaica have an opportunity to create a positive attack as Leon Bailey carries the ball into the right side of the penalty area, guarded by Edson Alvarez. While he buys time for his teammates to arrive, he takes on Alvarez, but the ball gets away from him and rolls harmlessly to Guillermo Ochoa. Bailey is furious with himself, and slams the ground in frustration.

66th min: Now a pair of changes for Jamaica as Jamal Lowe and Ravel Morrison come off, replaced by Kemar Lawrence and Jonathan Russell.

62nd min: Mexico readying the first substitute of the match. Diego Lainez is going to come on, entering for Orbelin Pineda, Mexico's first goalscorer. Raul Jimenez also enters, replacing Henry Martin who was dangerous in the first half but has faded since the break.

57th min: Chance, Jamaica! MEMO OCHOA MAKES A HUGE SAVE! Jamaica have a corner and it comes to Shamar Nicholson at the far post who powers a header on frame. Yet the Mexican goalkeeper, as he has so many times before, parries the point-blank effort away. What a save! The fans booing him at halftime might be reconsidering their actions!

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) March 27, 2023

54th min: Chance, Mexico! Luis Chavez sends a low effort just wide across the face of goal! The Pachuca midfielder takes aim from distance, and while he beats the goalkeeper, he beats the post.

It's been all El Tri so far since the second half started! They seem likely to take the lead if this flow continues.

51st min: There's a huge shout towards the official by the Mexican attackers as they want a penalty for handball on Damion Lowe which blocked a shot from atop the area. Ismail Elfath seems to indicate that the arm of Lowe was down in a natural position, and therefore was not a foul. Replay shows that decision may be somewhat controversial, as Lowe's arm was clearly extended from his body out to the side, but VAR does not intervene.

Kickoff: The second half is under way as Estadio Azteca finishes up a pretty cool light show that looked really rad from the aerial views shown on the broadcast.

Nothing to separate the teams in the first half. So now, it's all still to play for! A spot in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals is on the line. Mexico would advance with a win or draw, while Jamaica need to win to move on.

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) March 27, 2023 HALFTIME: Mexico 2-2 Jamaica

What an entertaining first half in the Mexico City rain! Jamaica were right up to the task, but Mexico had a counter-punch for each blow they took. Once again, it's not the dominant performance that Mexico fans want to see from this team, but as it stands, it'd be enough to send them into the Nations League semifinals.

At the halftime break, Mexico fans were booing longtime El Tri goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who has been a fan favorite of the national team for years. They're instead calling for Carlos Acevedo. Harsh!

— TUDN MEX (@TUDNMEX) March 27, 2023 Mexico vs Jamaica: First Half

44th min: PENALTY TO MEXICO! El Tri have a spot-kick! It's a blatant penalty, as Ravel Morrison goes to dispossess Henry Martin inside the top of the penalty area, but he completely whiffs, stepping over the ball and directly onto Martin's foot. Chucky Lozano steps up...

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) March 27, 2023

GOAL! MEXICO! Lozano makes no mistake, hitting his penalty centrally just under the crossbar. The Jamaican goalkeeper dove to his right, so he was nowhere close. El Tri are level again!

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 27, 2023

42nd min: Chance, Mexico! CHUCKY LOZANO RATTLES THE CROSSABAR! Oh, how close that was to another golazo in this game! He slams the ball into the woodwork from a good distance outside the penalty area, cutting inside from the left and letting rip with his right foot. That was nearly an absolute stunner!

Chucky Lozano nearly had himself a WORLDIE. ???? pic.twitter.com/SscTdTlaEi

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 27, 2023

41st min: Leon Bailey wins a corner as he looks to take on Cesar Montes on the break. The delivery from Bailey is a dangerous one but Guillermo Ochoa punches it away awkwardly.

37th min: Understandably, the pacing of the match since the restart has been slow. Anytime a game has to be paused for significant amount of time, the players need some time to get going again. Jamaica show the most attacking intent, as a cross from the left just evades Jamal Lowe in front of goal. Ethan Pinnock takes a pair of long throws into the Mexico penalty area, which you don't see too often at this level.

Jamaica se ve más peligroso que México.

— Paco Villa (@Paco_Villa_) March 27, 2023

34th min: The match has restarted in the 34th minute, with Mexico taking a corner kick after about an 18-minute weather delay. As it stands, Jamaica would advance to the Nations League semifinals, and Mexico would be eliminated. There is plenty more football to be played, however.

——— THE MATCH IS PAUSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER ———

There is a furious thunderstorm directly over the Estadio Azteca, as the players are taken off the field in the 34th minute and head down into the locker room. Reports from the stadium indicate that there's extremely heavy rain and loud thunder that has given the referee crew no choice but to stop the game. We will keep you updated on the status of this match and restart things here once the players return to the field.

— Agencia Mexiquense de Noticias (@AMXNoticias) March 27, 2023

This video from ESPN journalist Cesar Hernandez shows there's clearly lightning in the area, which is why the players were taken off the pitch.

Was able to get a slow-mo video of one of the smaller ????️ strikes pic.twitter.com/0TnP0fcvpL

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) March 27, 2023

32nd min: GOAL! JAMAICA! The Reggae Boyz are in front again, this time off a corner! It's an own-goal off Edson Alvarez, as the ball slightly clips off the head of Damion Lowe and clatters into the thigh of Alvarez, who is facing the net. A freak moment, and Jamaica retake the lead!

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 27, 2023

31st min: The skies have opened up in Mexico City, and it's now absolutely pouring rain at Estadio Azteca. Terrible conditions, as fans scramble for cover.

Jamaica earn a corner after good combination work on the left edge of the six-yard box. Ismail Elfath again is furious with Edson Alvarez, who keeps defying the official.

26th min: There's been very little action since the goal. The American referee Ismail Elfath has a spirited discussion with Edson Alvarez who was bear hugging a Jamaican player battling for a ball in the air.

17th min: GOAL! MEXICO! Hirving "Chucky" Lozano has been Mexico's brightest attacker early, and he creates the chance for Mexico to equalize. A give-and-go with Luis Chavez is worked from Lozano to Henry Martin, who touches (accidentally or purpose?) through his own legs to Orbelin Pineda right on the edge of the six-yard box for an easy finish past Jahmali Waite. El Tri didn't take long to get back level!

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) March 27, 2023

13th min: Jamaica have been the better side since the stunning Bobby Reid goal. They continue to charge forward looking to pressure the Mexico back line every time they generate a midfield turnover. There's already booing around Estadio Azteca, as the home supporters are looking for better play from their El Tri.

7th min: GOAL! JAMAICA! OH MY WHAT A STUNNER BY BOBBY REID!!!! He charges to meet a poor clearance and hammers it first-time with his right foot, burying the effort in the top-right corner! It's a GOLAZO from the Fulham man, who puts Jamaica up early!

The Reggae Boyz went ahead in the fourth minute in the reverse fixture last summer, and here they do the same!

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 27, 2023

6th min: Chance, Mexico! Ismail Elfath has his work cut out for him tonight. Already a number of fouls called, most of which have been against Jamaica. Mexico have a set-piece situated about 35 yards from goal, and while the initial delivery is cleared, El Tri work it back into the box. Hector Moreno nearly loops a header over the goalkeeper and into the top corner, but Jahmali White makes a sensational save! He'll be needed plenty tonight, especially with Andre Blake out.

3rd min: Mexico are controlling the opening possession and Chucky Lozano rips off a tight-angle shot from the left. The angle was indeed too tight, as he hits the stanchion behind the goal.

Kickoff: The match at Estadio Azteca is under way! Kickoff is a few minutes late, and was delayed further by a moment of silence to recognize the passing of comedian Xavier "Chabelo" Lopez.

Mexico need a draw or win to move on, Jamaica need to win to book a surprising place in the Nations League semifinals.

???????? national anthem at the Estadio Azteca. #ElTriEng pic.twitter.com/JRjjC1KMeA

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) March 27, 2023 Mexico vs Jamaica: Pre-match commentary, analysis, stats, and more

6 mins to kick: Interestingly, new Mexico manager Diego Cocca was given a smattering of boo's during pre-match introductions. Seems harsh for the new boss after beating Suriname in his debut.

Abucheos para Diego Cocca antes del México ???????? vs Jamaica ???????? ???? pic.twitter.com/XEHd2btNzs

— Omar Ramírez Luckie (@eluckie_) March 26, 2023

18 mins to kick: The reverse Nations League fixture between these two teams ended in a 1-1 draw in Kingston. Mexico out-shot Jamaica 18-8 in that match, including 7-3 on target, but Andre Blake stood on his head and El Tri were stymied. Blake won't be playing today, but the Jamaican goalscorer Leon Bailey is, stunning Mexico in just the fourth minute of that match. They'll want another quick start tonight at the Azteca!

The last time against Mexico! ????
.#ReggaeBoyz #CNL #JAMMEX #JFF_Football pic.twitter.com/t4YruBN66s

— Official J.F.F (@jff_football) March 26, 2023

35 mins to kick: Tonight's referee is Ismail Elfath, the Moroccan-born American who referees in Major League Soccer and was a CONCACAF representative at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He served as fourth official for the World Cup final between France Argentina, becoming the first American to work a World Cup final in an on-field role.

The last time Elfath refereed a Mexico game, they topped Honduras 3-0 in World Cup qualifying at this very Estadio Azteca. Prior to that, they were trounced 4-1 by Uruguay in a friendly back in 2018 just before the World Cup in Russia. 

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) December 18, 2022

50 mins to kick: The lineups were out quite late, but we finally have our starters. Raul Jimenez does not start for El Tri, with Henry Martin instead the man through the middle. Chucky Lozano, Memo Ochoa, and Orbelin Pineda all return to the lineup. Jorge Sanchez gets the nod over Julian Araujo at right-back, while Luis Romo is selected ahead of Erick Gutierrez in the midfield pivot.

— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) March 26, 2023

72 mins to kick: One of the ways the Mexican federation has attempted to crack down on fan violence and crowd unrest at Estadio Azteca and other domestic venues is through the registration of a Fan ID. The FMF and CONCACAF both hope this will not only serve as a deterrent, but also as a means of streamlining identification in the wake of any future disturbances.

????@miseleccionmx se toma muy enserio el apoyo para el registro del Fan ID en la previa del duelo entre México y Jamaica.@JUgarteCANCHA pic.twitter.com/EbSEZtnZqa

— CANCHA (@reformacancha) March 26, 2023 — DIARIO RÉCORD (@record_mexico) March 26, 2023

89 mins to kick: Jamaica may not be one of the dominant CONCACAF powers, but they have proven a difficult opponent over the years. They have beaten Mexico in recent history, securing a 1-0 victory in the 2017 Gold Cup semifinals in Pasadena. Jamaica did manage to secure a 0-0 draw at Estadio Azteca in 2013 as part of World Cup qualifying, but they have never won a true road game in Mexico.

Still, Jamaica have held Mexico to 2 goals or fewer in all but one of their last 10 meetings, and 1 goal or fewer in six of those. This will likely not be an easy romp for the hosts.

— Luis Herrera (@luisrha) March 26, 2023

103 mins to kick: Jamaica still can qualify for the CONCACAF Nations League final stage with a win in this venue, but it will be an incredibly tough task made even tougher without Andre Blake and Michail Antonio.

Still, they do have Leon Bailey, Ethan Pinnock, and Ravel Morrison, three European-based players with some  CONCACAF international play under their belts. Morrison played in Liga MX for Atlas from 2017-18, but Bailey and Pinnock have not played a road match against Mexico in their careers. Pinnock, at 29 years old, is a late bloomer in his career, only rising to prominence with Brentford in 2019 and with just five caps.

— Official J.F.F (@jff_football) March 20, 2023

120 mins to kick: Mexico did not look sharp against Suriname in the opening match of this international break, but they managed to secure three points with some good last-ditch defending and a pair of second-half goals. New manager Diego Cocca praised his players for "solving" the fixture, which is a good way to put how it played out.

We'll find out if El Tri can use that to build momentum as they navigate a home game against a quality opponent that's severely depleted by injuries.

— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) March 24, 2023 Mexico vs Jamaica lineups & team news

El Tri rested their key players for the road match in Suriname, as Diego Cocca won his managerial debut, albeit in shaky fashion.

Many regulars, like Guillermo Ochoa, Cesar Montes, and Hirving Lozano return for this home match, after skipping the trip to Suriname. Young Julian Araujo was bright off the bench in that match, but it's Jorge Sanchez who is selected to start tonight.

Raul Jimenez starts on the bench, with Henry Martin preferred in a striker role. Alexis Vega is a notable absence from the squad as he only recently returned to club action from a knee injury.

Mexico confirmed starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Ochoa (GK) — J. Sanchez, Moreno, Montes, Gallardo — E. Alvarez, Romo — Chavez, Pineda, Lozano — Martin.

Mexico subs (12): Acevedo (GK), J.A. Rodriguez (GK), J. Araujo, N. Araujo, Vasquez, Artega, C. Rodriguez, E. Gutierrez, Alvarado, Lainez, Gimenez, Jimenez.

First @Diegococca1 lineup at Estadio Azteca! ????????????????#CNL | #LaSelecciónEsDeTodos pic.twitter.com/gDUdX04Klp

— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) March 26, 2023

The Jamaica squad is significantly weakened due to two injuries to key players. Veteran goalkeeper Andre Blake is out of action with a groin injury, having already missed time with the Philadelphia Union, while West Ham forward Michail Antonio has been missing since the start of March with a calf problem.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid will pull the strings in the attack, as the versatile wide player has been a key part of Fulham's strong Premier League season.

Jamaica confirmed starting lineup (4-4-2): Waite (GK) — J. Brown, Pinnock, D. Lowe, Bell — De Cordova-Reid, Morrison, D. Johnson, Bailey — J. Lowe, Nicholson.

Jamaica subs (12): Knight (GK), Foster (GK), Lembikisa, Lambert, King, Burke, Stewart, Parris, Phillips, Mariappa, Lawrence, Russell.

How to watch Mexico vs Jamaica Date: Sunday, March 26 Time: 8 p.m. ET TV channels: TUDN, UniMas (Spanish) Streaming: Fubo, Paramount+, TUDN site/app

The match from the Estadio Azteca will be available to watch on television in the United States via TUDN and UniMas, with both those Spanish-language channels also streaming live on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

Mexico vs Jamaica betting odds & lines

El Tri are understandably considered massive favorites at home against a shorthanded Jamaica squad missing two vital players.

Despite the shaky performance in Suriname, it seems most of the betting market has written that performance off due to a second-choice lineup and the knowledge that CONCACAF road games can be tricky affairs. Jamaica are not expected to score in this match, and they are clear 1.5-goal underdogs on the handicap (spread).

  Mexico
win Draw Jamaica
win Both teams
to score Y / N Over / Under
2.5 goals Mexico
-1.5 Jamaica
+1.5 Caesars
(USA) -310 +340 +950 +115 / -145 -130 / +100 -105 -125 Sports
Interaction
(Canada) -333 +350 +700 +108 / -169 -135 / -103 -104 -128