Mexico

The USMNT is preparing to host Mexico in a crucial World Cup qualifying game at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, Friday night. The weather calls for cool temperatures in the 40s with a slight chance of rain. This is far from the coldest USA Mexico game ever played.

Mexico has routinely made trips to Columbus, Ohio, in the months of February and November. The weather has never been outrageously cold or wild like the Snow Clasico against Costa Rica in 2013. There was one game against El Tri that does stand out though.

When the USMNT welcomes Mexico to TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Friday night, the Stars and Stripes will boast the emotional and mental edge of having defeated El Tri in their last two meetings — both finals, no less. 

But it’s Mexico that holds a three-point advantage over the U.S. at the top of the Octagonal as we hit the halfway point of qualifying, and Tata Martino can rely on a first-choice attack that Gregg Berhalter’s men didn’t see over the summer.

The biggest quadrennial men’s soccer game in America is on Friday. Chances are, you or someone you know has no idea what’s going on. That’s fine. We’re here to explain USA vs Mexico, to either help you explain what’s going on to your filthy casual friends or so you don’t look like the dummy to your buddies on Friday night. 

Historically, Columbus, Ohio, has been the premier home fortress for the USMNT, with the Americans winning four of five international matches against Mexico at the home of the Columbus Crew. 

All four of these victories have come in the last two decades and all by a 2-0 scoreline, helping to cement the slogan "Dos a Cero" and signaling a new chapter in the history of the once-lopsided rivalry.