Mexico vs New Zealand: 2017 Confederations Cup Live Stream, Schedule, Prediction

Mexico face New Zealand in Group A of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia, on Wednesday with both likely needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive.

The All Whites lost their opener 2-0 to Russia and cannot afford another defeat. Meanwhile, El Tri salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw with Euro 2016 champions Portugal thanks to a stoppage-time Hector Moreno goal.

Mexico will be strong favourites to prevail in Sochi, not least because they sit 78 places ahead of the Kiwis in the FIFA world rankings.

Read on for a preview of the clash, along with scheduling and viewing details.

Date: Wednesday, June 21

Time: 7 p.m. BST, 2 p.m. ET

TV Info: ITV4 (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: ITV Hub, Fox Sports Go

Preview

While Mexico boast superior quality in their squad, they cannot afford to be complacent against New Zealand.

The two sides met most recently in a friendly in October 2016 and Mexico narrowly prevailed 2-1.

If Juan Carlos Osorio's side are to earn a comfortable win that will give them the best chance of advancing to the semi-finals, they need to get ahead early.

Fortunately, forwards Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez both look in decent form and should be able to exploit any weaknesses in the New Zealand defence.

Vela netted an excellent goal against the United States in a FIFA World Cup qualifier ahead of the Confederations Cup.

And Hernandez scored Mexico's first against Portugal, a typically opportunistic finish from Chicharito which took his international tally to 48, per Squawka:

Anthony Hudson's New Zealand side were beaten fairly comfortably by Russia in their opening match, and they will need to be a lot tighter defensively if they are to limit Mexico.

The All Whites' defensive shape was poor against the hosts, and they looked vulnerable to long balls and at set pieces.

Their marking also left plenty to be desired, and they will need to be much sharper to avoid being opened up by the likes of Hernandez and Vela.

Mexico have a decent record at the Confederations Cup having won it in 1999 and reached the last four in 1995 and 2005.

The Portugal match was their toughest group clash on paper and they did well to come away with a point.

A convincing win over New Zealand would set El Tri up brilliantly for their final match against Russia as they look to book their spot in the knockout rounds. 

Prediction: Mexico 3-0 New Zealand