USMNT vs. Mexico Picks: CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals

The United States men’s national soccer team is back in action for the first time since April and plays against Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on Thursday.

The Americans are coming into this game with a significantly weakened squad because of the ongoing MLS season and the conclusion of league action in Europe, forcing European-based players into a break for a few weeks.

With these factors in mind, we’ve put together our picks for the U.S. vs. Mexico to help with your soccer betting.

Folarin Balogun to Score

The U.S. is set to be without a handful of experienced players because of the MLS season, as Kellyn Acosta, Jordan Morris and Jesús Ferreira missed out on call-ups.

Regardless, U.S. fans will get to see Folarin Balogun in action for the first time after an incredible season with Reims following his opting to switch allegiance from England to the USMNT after approval from FIFA in May. 

On loan from Arsenal, Bologun scored 21 goals in Ligue 1, and his efforts in France’s first division were only bettered by Canada’s Jonathan David and France’s Kylian Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette.

Balogun is excellent with both feet and his relentless pace and finishing ability will cause the Mexican defense all sorts of problems. 

Folarin Balogun to score anytime is +200 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

USMNT to Win

The U.S. is looking to defend its Nations League title this international break with it winning the trophy in 2021. The Americans are also attempting to defend the Gold Cup in a few weeks after winning all six games and stunningly letting in just one goal and scoring 11 of their own.

It is set to be a huge few weeks for U.S. soccer and it has lost just one game out of five in 2023. The U.S. lost to Serbia in January and has since gone on to defeat Grenada 7-1 and beat El Salvador after getting a tie against Colombia. It also tied with Mexico in April in the Continental Clásico.

With Balogun leading the line and following an unbeaten four-game run, the U.S. should win as it bids to win back-to-back Nations League titles.

The U.S. to win is +135 with DraftKings Sportsbook.

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Both Teams to Score

In 2023, the U.S. made just two shutouts and even conceded a goal while scoring seven in a dominating win over Grenada. 

It managed to make just three shutouts throughout the seven games in 2022, and played out a 1-1 tie with Mexico just under two months ago. What’s more, the Americans’ best defender at the 2022 World Cup, Tim Ream, has also not been called up for this game. 

Coach B.J. Callaghan will also be without DeAndre Yedlin, Aaron Long and one of the best defenders in MLS this season, Matt Miazga, as all stay with their clubs during the MLS season. 

Worse yet, midfielder and captain, Tyler Adams, is also not with the team for this game and this will give Mexico a great chance at getting at least one goal.

Both teams to score is -120 with BetMGM Sportsbook.