Group B leaders Venezuela will meet Mexico Wednesday evening in what will be the second match in Copa America 2024 for both sides. Venezuela got a big win over Ecuador in the opener, while Mexico scored a late goal to take out Jamaica in the first game. El Tri has been the dominant side in the head-to-head history between these teams but Venezuela comes in with some confidence after a win.
Here’s what you need to know for the match, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Venezuela v. Mexico
Date: Wednesday, June 26
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV channel: FS1, Univision
Livestream: fuboTV, TUDN
Moneyline odds
Venezuela: +280
Draw: +220
Mexico: +115
Moneyline pick: Mexico +115
The odds are likely skewed this way because of Venezuela’s victory, although those three points do come with an important caveat. Ecuador’s Enner Valencia was shown a red card and despite going down to 10 men, Ecuador actually still took a lead in that game. Venezuela showed great fight by coming back but there’s still reason to believe the talent level isn’t quite there. Mexico has failed to score despite dominating offensively against lesser teams, so the Jamaica result wasn’t surprising. However, will they repeat that type of performance against Venezuela? It’s unlikely.
Edson Alvarez is unlikely to play for El Tri in this game due to an injury he picked up in the opener. Although Alvarez hasn’t been officially ruled out yet, he surely won’t start the match and might be available as a substitute at best.
I believe this is a great opportunity for bettors on a line that seems ripe for correction after the opening matches. Mexico is unlikely to play with 10 men and Venezuela is unlikely to have the same ability to come back against a superior side. I see El Tri having better luck in front of goal as well, which means I’ll take Mexico as a plus-money favorite in this contest.