Suriname goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen, left, watches a header by Mexico defender César Montes enter his net for a goal during a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) AP

Defending champions Mexico will face Saudi Arabia on Saturday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals. Though Mexico will be playing Saturday's game without midfielder Luis Chávez, who suffered a ruptured ligament this week, the team is still favored in this year's tournament.

For Mexico, the pressure is immense. El Tri enter this knockout match as heavy favorites, expected not just to win but to dominate as they pursue their ninth Gold Cup title. The Gold Cup has foiled some of that narrative as games have been narrow for Mexico, and they are coming off a scoreless draw against Costa Rica in the final group stage match.