The road to the 2027 Women's World Cup is beginning to take shape, and one of the standout quarter-finals at November's CONCACAF W Championship already carries plenty of intrigue.
Mexico will meet an improving Haiti side coached by veteran Swede Pia Sundhage, with a place at the World Cup on the line.
Both nations used the June international window to build momentum, but while Haiti impressed with back-to-back victories in Spain, Mexico's preparations were underpinned by a growing belief inside the squad that qualification is finally within reach.
Farmer senses growing belief
Chicago Stars defender Aaliyah Farmer believes that belief has been building for months.
Speaking exclusively to Football Presse, the 22-year-old admitted Mexico know exactly what is at stake.
"We are overall really, really excited," Farmer said.
"Mexico hasn't qualified for the World Cup in a very long time. To be one win away is surreal and shows how hard we have been working on and off the field."
Farmer believes the squad's growing chemistry could prove decisive despite players spending most of the year apart.
"With national teams, you don't get to practise with your team every single month," she explained.
"Every couple of months you go and play with a group of girls that you haven't played with in a while.
"For me, being able to go to camp makes me feel that we have been playing with each other for the past couple of months so it doesn't feel new.
"We're just really hopeful we get the outcome we want."
Mexico split two friendlies against Australia during the June FIFA window, while key attacker Jaclyn Ovalle missed the tour through injury but is expected to return before the meeting with Haiti.
Choosing Mexico over the USA
Farmer has enjoyed an unusual route to international football, spending time with United States youth teams before committing to Mexico after beginning her professional career with Tigres.
She said family played the biggest role in her decision.
"Growing up, when I was younger, I went to a few U.S. national team camps but I ended up choosing Mexico," she said.
"My main choice for that would be my family and heritage. I feel closer on that side of the family than the U.S."
The opportunity to help Mexico end an 11-year absence from the Women's World Cup only strengthened that feeling.
"Mexico hasn't made the World Cup in a very long time so, for me, making history is really important," Farmer added.
"I saw an opportunity when I was in Liga MX Femenil and got picked up there. I felt that I couldn't miss out.
"I'm just really happy with my choice.
"For me it's an honour to represent my country and my family—it means a lot. If we win against Haiti it will mean even more."
NWSL move has accelerated her development
Farmer also believes her move from Tigres to the NWSL with Chicago Stars has accelerated her development ahead of the biggest international challenge of her career.
"One of the biggest differences is speed of play," she said.
"You're constantly having to transition and defend and then attacking right after.
"There are a lot more pacier, faster forwards in this league. That makes my job a little more challenging but has helped me grow at the same time."
Haiti building momentum under Sundhage
Mexico will need every bit of that defensive improvement because Haiti arrive in outstanding form.
Since Pia Sundhage took charge in February, Les Grenadières have won four of their five matches, scoring 13 goals while conceding only three.
Victories over New Zealand and Equatorial Guinea during June reinforced the sense that Haiti are becoming one of CONCACAF's fastest-improving sides.
Teenage striker Lourdjina Étienne scored in both friendlies, while Lyon star Melchie Dumornay produced another reminder of why she is regarded among the world's elite players after creating two goals against New Zealand before scoring twice against Equatorial Guinea.
Sundhage has also begun reshaping her squad, handing first senior call-ups to several young players while experimenting with defensive options ahead of November's decisive qualifier.
A familiar rivalry with World Cup stakes
The fixture also carries added significance given the recent history between the two nations.
Haiti stunned Mexico 3-0 during the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship before going on to secure their first-ever Women's World Cup appearance through the intercontinental play-offs.
Another victory would send Haiti directly back to the global stage.
Mexico, meanwhile, see the match as an opportunity to end more than a decade of frustration.
With Farmer speaking confidently about the unity developing inside Pedro López's squad and Haiti arriving under one of the most experienced coaches in world football, the quarter-final already has the feel of one of the defining matches of the CONCACAF campaign.
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