Copa America 2024 brings Mexico fans to State Farm Stadium
Mexico’s fans outnumbered those of Ecuador, but not by as much as one might have imagined on June 29 at the Copa America match at State Farm Stadium.
- Mexico’s biggest soccer rivalry, “El Clásico de Mexico,” will be played in Glendale, Arizona.
- Club América and Chivas de Guadalajara are scheduled for a friendly match on Saturday, Oct. 11.
The match that many longtime soccer fans throughout the greater Phoenix area thought might never happen again in their own backyard is just about here.
Clúb America and Clúb Deportivo Chivas de Guadalajara, the biggest and most historic soccer rivalry in Mexico — and in North America among club teams — is set for 8 p.m. MST on Saturday, Oct. 11, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
The Aguilas (Eagles), as America is called, have won more games head-to-head all-time against Chivas (Goats), known for signing players only of Mexican descent, a long-standing tradition and business practice.
America, known for ownership’s deep pockets to sign big-money players, also has more Liga MX titles than Chivas, 16 to 12, though the teams are Nos. 1 and 2 in league championships. The matchup is dubbed “El Clásico de Mexico.”
Right in the middle of the Apertura, or first half, of Mexico’s soccer season, Chivas and America are using the FIFA international match window to play a friendly in Arizona. A large crowd is expected despite the late start time.
The two teams arrived in the Phoenix area on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 9, and were scheduled to practice that same night at Phoenix Rising FC’s stadium near Sky Harbor Airport. On Friday, Oct. 10, players made a public appearance with Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs at the state capitol.
“It’s the same no matter where we play this rivalry,” midfielder Bryan Gonzalez said in Spanish on Friday at the state capitol. “We know what it represents even on this side of the border. There’s pressure on both teams, but we just want to deliver the fans a spectacular game.”
How to watch America vs. Chivas
America vs. Chivas can be seen starting at 8 p.m. MST on Univision and TUDN, both Spanish language networks. The match follows the Mexican men’s national team friendly match against Colombia, live at 6 p.m. MST from Arlington, Texas.
Who are the players to watch for Chivas and America?
Chivas (5-5-2 in Liga MX) has won its past three matches heading into the matchup. Forward Armando Gonzalez has two goals in those three matches and leads Chivas in goals with six in 12 league matches overall this season.
Mexican soccer legends Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Alan Pulido are on the roster, as are several Americans of Mexican descent. One is frequent starter and Phoenix native Richy Ledezma, who has also played on the U.S. U-20 national team.
“It means a lot to me,” Ledezma said on Friday. “I’ve never played in Arizona professionally, so it’s going to be something really special for me and my family.”
Club America, 8-3-1 in league play, features a U.S. senior national team player, forward Alejandro Zendejas. He has five goals and three assists on the season.
America has players from several South American countries, as the club is known for its scouting ability. Uruguayan Brian Rodriguez played in Major League Soccer before joining Club America in 2022.
Others to watch are forward Henry Martin, defender Kevin Alvarez and midfielder Erick Sanchez.
How to get tickets to America vs. Chivas
Upper-level tickets start at $57 on SeatGeek, with higher prices for seats in the lower level. A large crowd is expected but not likely a sellout.
This event will also feature a fan festival outside the stadium, with music, giveaways, food and interactive photo opportunities with trophies. Also, members of the popular Mexican musical group Banda MS will perform at halftime.
Republic staff reporter Stacey Barchenger contributed to this article.
José M. Romero can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @RomeroJoseM or Instagram at @romerojosem. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don’t miss a thing.
