Brazil v Mexico – Confederations Cup Preview and Betting Tips

Betting Tips | Article posted on June 18th, 2025

Brazil got their Confederations Cup campaign off to an excellent start by comfortably beating Japan by three goals to nil. What will have been even more encouraging for the hosts was the brilliant goal scored by their star player Neymar, which indicated that he is not as bereft of confidence as his barren spell in front of goal may have indicated.

Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has a wealth of options available for this fixture, with star player Neymar expected to shake off a minor knock picked up against Japan to start in his usual forward role. With other players pushing for selection on the bench, the veteran manager’s main concern well be whether to rest players ahead of critical games that are still ahead in this competition.

Former Manchester City striker Jo, who scored as a second-half substitute against Japan, could find himself in the starting eleven in this game, Fred the most likely to miss out, and Lucas Moura may be awarded a midfield berth.

A win for Brazil in this game would land them a place in the semi-finals, meanwhile Mexico face a win or bust scenario, as a defeat will all but mathematically confirm their elimination from the tournament having been defeated narrowly by Italy in their opening fixture.

Some hope for the Mexicans is afforded by the fact that they defeated Brazil 2-0 in Texas last June in the last full international fixture between these two teams. However, Brazil have won 14 of the 23 clashes between the two sides, and certainly look the stronger side on paper ahead of this latest fixture.

This is a young Brazilian team, however, with only Julio Cesar and Thiago Silva, on 70 and 65 caps respectively, with more than 50 among the current squad. It may be that the younger legs of the hosts will count in their favour, however, as Mexico are very much a team of veterans. Gerardo Torrado and Carlos Salcido boast 255 caps between them, and Andres Guardado is five away from his century.

Brazil (possible 4-2-3-1)

12 Julio Cesar
02 Alves
03 Thiago Silva
04 David Luiz
14 Filipe
11 Oscar
17 Dias
18 Paulinho
09 Fred
10 Neymar
19 Hulk

Substitutes:

01 Jefferson
22 Cavalieri
06 Marcelo
15 Dante
16 Araujo Rever
05 Fernando Martins
07 da Silva Lucas
08 Hernanes
13 Jean
20 Bernard
23 Jadson

Mexico (possible 4-2-3-1)

J. Corona
G. Flores
F. Rodríguez
H. Moreno
C. Salcido
G. Torrado
A. Guardado
J. Zavala
G. Dos Santos
J. Aquino
J. Hernández

Substitutes:

G. Ochoa
P. Barrera
J. Torres
&. Reyna
A. De Nigris
J. Jesús Molina
S. Meza
A. Talavera
D. Reyes
H. Mier
R. Jimenez
H. Herrera

Betting Prediction

Mexico should provide a stern test for Brazil, but the Brazilians have the tournament nous and general quality of player required to see them off. I predict that this will be a narrow victory for the hosts by two goals to one.

Final Scoreline Prediction:Brazil 2 – 1 Mexico

Other Recommended Bets: Brazil to win Over 2.5 Goals, Both Teams to Score.