Event/Match Date & Time: October 14, 2025 – Mexico 2-2 Turkey (Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico; Kickoff: 21:00 local / 04:00 IST next day)
Mexico national football team vs Turkey national football team lineups produced an entertaining 2-2 draw in this October 2025 international friendly. Mexico twice came from behind thanks to late goals from Santiago Giménez (78′) and Raúl Jiménez (90+2′), after Turkey led through Kerem Aktürkoğlu (32′) and Arda Güler (55′).
This midweek friendly served as preparation for both nations ahead of the 2026 World Cup (co-hosted by Mexico). Javier Aguirre used the match to test depth and combinations, while Vincenzo Montella gave significant minutes to young talents like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız.
The match was played at a high tempo with end-to-end action, several near misses, and strong goalkeeping from both sides.
Turkey national football team vs Mexico national football team lineups (reverse keyword variation) highlight Turkey’s dynamic attacking quartet and Mexico’s resilience in the final 15 minutes.
Quick Match Snapshot
- Final Score: Mexico 2–2 Turkey
- Goals: Kerem Aktürkoğlu 32′, Arda Güler 55′ | Santiago Giménez 78′, Raúl Jiménez 90+2′
- Mexico formation: 4-2-3-1 (later 4-4-2)
- Turkey formation: 4-2-3-1
- Possession: Mexico 54% – Turkey 46%
- Shots (on target): Mexico 13 (5) – Turkey 11 (6)
- xG: Mexico 1.42 – Turkey 1.68
- Biggest story: Mexico’s late comeback after trailing 0-2
- Man of the Match: Arda Güler (goal + assist threat)
Confirmed Starting Lineups & Formations
Mexico (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Luis Malagón
- RB: Israel Reyes
- CB: César Montes
- CB: Johan Vásquez
- LB: Jesús Gallardo
- DM: Edson Álvarez (c)
- DM: Luis Romo
- AM: Orbelín Pineda
- RW: César Huerta
- LW: Julián Quiñones
- ST: Santiago Giménez
Key substitutes used: Raúl Jiménez (62′), Henry Martín (75′), Erik Lira (68′), Roberto Alvarado (62′), Gerardo Arteaga (78′)
Turkey (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Uğurcan Çakır
- RB: Mert Müldür
- CB: Merih Demiral
- CB: Çağlar Söyüncü
- LB: Ferdi Kadıoğlu
- DM: Hakan Çalhanoğlu (c)
- DM: Salih Özcan
- AM: Arda Güler
- RW: Cengiz Ünder
- LW: Kerem Aktürkoğlu
- ST: Enes Ünal
Key substitutes used: Kenan Yıldız (60′), Yunus Akgün (70′), Okay Yokuşlu (75′), Ozan Kabak (80′)
| Position Group | Mexico Key Players & Roles | Turkey Key Players & Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Malagón – excellent late saves | Çakır – strong distribution |
| Center-Backs | Montes–Vásquez – solid but exposed | Demiral–Söyüncü – physical & aerial strength |
| Full-Backs | Reyes–Gallardo – attacking overlaps | Müldür–Kadıoğlu – high & dangerous |
| Midfield Pivot | Álvarez–Romo – defensive screen | Çalhanoğlu–Özcan – control & creativity |
| Attacking Mids | Pineda – linking play | Güler – free role, goal + threat |
| Wingers | Huerta–Quiñones – pace & directness | Ünder–Aktürkoğlu – electric wide threat |
| Striker | Giménez – late poacher | Ünal – hold-up play |
Goal Timeline & Decisive Moments
- 32′ 0–1 – Kerem Aktürkoğlu curls low shot past Malagón after Kadıoğlu cut-back
- 55′ 0–2 – Arda Güler finishes first-time after Ünal lay-off
- 78′ 1–2 – Santiago Giménez heads in Gallardo cross from set-piece
- 90+2′ 2–2 – Raúl Jiménez volleys in after scramble in box
| Goal # | Time | Scorer | Assist / Build-up | Defensive Mistake? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32′ | Kerem Aktürkoğlu | Kadıoğlu cut-back | No – excellent move |
| 2 | 55′ | Arda Güler | Ünal lay-off | Yes – midfield gap |
| 3 | 78′ | Santiago Giménez | Gallardo cross (set-piece) | No |
| 4 | 90+2′ | Raúl Jiménez | Box scramble | Yes – marking lost |
Standout Player Performances & Ratings
Mexico Top Ratings
- Raúl Jiménez – 8.4/10 – Late equalizer; clinical finisher off bench
- Santiago Giménez – 8.1/10 – Header to spark comeback
- Jesús Gallardo – 7.8/10 – Assist + dangerous overlaps
- Edson Álvarez – 7.5/10 – Solid despite goal conceded
- Luis Malagón – 7.2/10 – Big late saves kept Mexico alive
Turkey Top Ratings
- Arda Güler – 8.9/10 – Goal + constant creativity
- Kerem Aktürkoğlu – 8.6/10 – Opener + pace threat
- Ferdi Kadıoğlu – 8.2/10 – Assist + high energy
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu – 8.0/10 – Dictated tempo early
- Uğurcan Çakır – 7.4/10 – Strong in one-on-ones
Team Performance Comparison Table
| Metric | Mexico | Turkey | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possession | 54% | 46% | Mexico |
| Total Shots | 13 | 11 | Mexico |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 6 | Turkey |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.42 | 1.68 | Turkey |
| Pass Accuracy | 86% | 84% | Mexico |
| Duels Won % | 51% | 49% | Even |
| Big Chances Created | 3 | 4 | Turkey |
Tactical Breakdown – Formations & Adjustments
Mexico (4-2-3-1 → 4-4-2 late)
- Build-up: Álvarez as single pivot after 60′
- Press: Medium-high after halftime
- Attack: Wide crosses (Gallardo) + Giménez movement
- Late change: Jiménez on → two strikers
Turkey (4-2-3-1 → 4-4-2 defensive late)
- Build-up: Çalhanoğlu deep-lying playmaker
- Press: Mid-block 4-5-1
- Attack: Wing play (Aktürkoğlu/Kadıoğlu) + Güler free role
- Late change: Dropped deeper after Mexico push
Key tactical story: Turkey dominated middle third early; Mexico exploited set-pieces and late momentum.
Historical Context – Mexico vs Turkey Record
Limited meetings; this was their first competitive-level friendly since 2003 Confederations Cup.
| Date | Competition | Result | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 14, 2025 | International Friendly | 2–2 | Late Mexico comeback |
| 2003 | Confederations Cup | Mexico 2–1 | World Cup warm-up |
Implications for World Cup 2026
Mexico (co-host)
- Positive: Late resilience & Jiménez return
- Concern: Defensive lapses vs quality attacks
- Next: CONCACAF qualifiers & friendlies
Turkey
- Positive: Güler & Aktürkoğlu in form
- Concern: Dropped points late
- Next: UEFA Nations League & Euro 2028 prep
Conclusion
Mexico national football team vs Turkey national football team lineups in this October 2025 friendly showcased a competitive 2-2 draw with late drama. Turkey’s young stars (Güler, Aktürkoğlu) shone early, but Mexico’s experience (Jiménez, Giménez) earned a valuable point.
This result highlights both nations’ preparations for World Cup 2026 – Mexico showing fight, Turkey displaying flair. Fans searching Mexico vs Turkey lineups get a clear view of current form, tactical approaches and emerging talents.
FAQs
What were the Mexico vs Turkey lineups in the October 2025 friendly?
Mexico (4-2-3-1): Malagón; Reyes, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Álvarez, Romo; Pineda, Huerta, Quiñones; Giménez. Turkey (4-2-3-1): Çakır; Müldür, Demiral, Söyüncü, Kadıoğlu; Çalhanoğlu, Özcan; Güler, Ünder, Aktürkoğlu; Ünal.
What was the final score?
Mexico 2–2 Turkey.
Who scored the goals?
Aktürkoğlu 32′, Güler 55′ (Turkey); Giménez 78′, Jiménez 90+2′ (Mexico).
Why was this match important?
World Cup 2026 prep friendly; testing depth & combinations.
Where was the game played?
Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico.
What formation did Turkey use?
4-2-3-1 with attacking full-backs.
Any notable substitutes?
Raúl Jiménez (Mexico) scored late equalizer off bench.
What’s next for both teams?
World Cup qualifiers & more friendlies.
Why search for Turkey vs Mexico lineups?
To analyze tactical setup in this competitive draw.
Did either team win?
No – 2-2 draw.
Read Also:
Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC lineups
East Bengal FC vs Chennaiyin FC lineups
Argentina national football team vs France national football team lineup
Mexico National Football Team Vs Uruguay National Football Team Lineups
Internacional Vs Mexico National Football Team Lineups
Portugal National Football Team Vs Spain National Football Team Lineups
Netherlands National Football Team vs Spain National Football Team Lineups
France national football team vs Croatia national football team lineups
Spain National Football Team vs Netherlands National Football Team Lineups
England national football team vs Senegal national football team lineups
