Defending champions Mexico began their Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with a 3-2 victory over tournament debutants the Dominican Republic on Saturday, in a match played against a backdrop of political tension and protests in Los Angeles.
The Group C opener at SoFi Stadium took place amid days of demonstrations across the city against immigration raids authorized by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has deployed the National Guard to assist in the operations. The protests, part of a coordinated nationwide action, continued on Saturday.
Security concerns reportedly forced the Mexican national team to change hotels ahead of the match. On Friday, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum had urged U.S. authorities to refrain from conducting immigration enforcement activities targeting fans attending the game.
On the pitch, Mexico secured a hard-fought win in front of a crowd of 54,309, the majority of whom were supporting “El Tri.” West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez opened the scoring with a header just before halftime. Shortly after the break, Fulham striker Raul Jimenez doubled the lead, scoring his 40th international goal.
The Dominican Republic quickly responded, with Peter Gonzalez pulling a goal back. However, Mexico restored their two-goal advantage when a header from Alvarez deflected in off defender Cesar Montes. A late, deflected strike from Edison Azcona created a tense finish, but Mexico held on for the three points.
The attendance was notably lower than the average of 63,760 for Mexico’s previous three games at the 70,000-capacity SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles is also preparing to host the first of six FIFA Club World Cup matches at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl, beginning with Paris St-Germain against Atletico Madrid.
Mexico will play their next two Gold Cup group stage matches in Arlington, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
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