ESPN is to air English-language coverage of Mexico matches in the US this year and next after Univision sub-licensed the rights.

ESPN is to provide English-language broadcasts of Mexico national team matches in the United States this year and next after rightsholder Univision sub-licensed the rights.

Univision has handed on the rights to Mexico friendly matches as well as Concacaf World Cup qualifying games. Univision Deportes will continue broadcasting the games in Spanish across the United States.

“Univision Deportes is committed to expanding access to soccer properties in the US across our platforms and with partnerships such as this one with ESPN,” said Juan Carlos Rodriguez, president of Univision Deportes.

“Bringing together the leading sports brand in Hispanic America with the leading sports entity in English-language media undoubtedly speaks to the growing popularity of soccer in the US and underscores Univision’s commitment to grow soccer in the US.”

Scott Guglielmino, ESPN's senior vice president of programming, added that the rights would help ESPN's build-up to its coverage of the 2014 Fifa World Cup. He said: “The Mexican national team plays an exciting brand of soccer that has attracted a passionate, loyal fanbase not only in Mexico but throughout the US."