México - Ghana
Mexico-Ghana on the calendar tells you everything about where both programs are right now. Mexico is rebuilding under another new manager. Ghana is trying to reset after a brutal World Cup. The match itself will be tighter than the FIFA ranking gap suggests.
How to watch
In the US, TUDN and Univision carry the Mexico games — most cable packages bundle them. The streaming option is ViX, which is around $7/month. In the UK and most of Europe, the FA broadcasters pick up only major qualifiers; for friendlies you're better off with the live-streaming options.
The match-day setup: a basic 55-inch 4K TV handles international football well. The Spanish-language broadcasts on TUDN are noticeably better than the English ones for atmosphere — even if you don't speak Spanish, the commentary makes the game feel like a derby.
The jerseys
The Mexico Adidas home shirt — green with the gold trim — is one of the best international shirts in the world. Around €90 new. A previous-season Mexico shirt on eBay goes for €40-60 and is the better buy.
Ghana's white-and-red Puma kit is genuinely one of the most under-loved football shirts in the world. A Ghana national team jersey is around $80 from licensed retailers. Worth it if you've decided to back the underdog.
If you want a tribute to both: get a Black Stars cap or a green-and-white scarf. A team scarf at $25 works in either kit colour.
The tactical thing to watch
Mexico's transition defense has been bad for two years. Ghana's most dangerous moments come on counters, especially when their wide players can run at full-backs in space. If Mexico turns it over in midfield, expect Ghana to score on the break at least once.
Ghana's defensive set-piece work, on the other hand, has been historically poor. If Mexico are going to score, it's likely on a corner or a wide free-kick.
Reading
The best book on Mexican football in English is Mexican football history. Slim pickings but worth a look.
For African football generally, Feet of the Chameleon by Ian Hawkey is the standard reference. About $20, covers the whole continent with Ghana getting its own substantial chapter.
If you actually want to follow either team properly
For Mexico, the El Tri podcast network has decent English coverage. For Ghana, the Ghana FA's social channels are the most reliable source — local coverage in English is sporadic.
A decent pair of earbuds is the only kit you need to consume the podcast scene properly. Anker Soundcore A40s at $80 do everything AirPods do for a third of the price.
Prediction
2-1 to Mexico, late Ghana consolation. Mexico look like a team finding shape. Ghana look like a team still missing two key players. The actual football is more interesting than the result line suggests.
Ready to shop? Compare Trending Now across stores →
