Javier Aguirre and Gilberto Mora Shine in 2-0 Victory
The Mexican national team secured another semifinal spot in the Gold Cup, defeating Saudi Arabia 2-0 at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during the 2025 tournament’s quarterfinals.
Goals from Alexis Vega (49’) and an own goal by Abdullah Madu (81’) secured Mexico’s third victory in the tournament, following group stage wins against the Dominican Republic and Suriname, as well as a draw with Costa Rica.
Javier Aguirre and Gilberto Mora Steal the Show
Head coach Javier Aguirre and midfielder Gilberto Mora were the standout figures in terms of statistics following this match, which took Mexico to its 15th semifinal in Gold Cup history.
According to data shared by the Mexican national team, Javier Aguirre is now the head coach with the most official victories. Against Saudi Arabia, he reached 27 wins, breaking the tie with Argentina’s Ricardo La Volpe at 26.
However, Aguirre is currently in his third stint as head coach of the team, having previously led from 2001-2002 and 2009-2010. His current tenure began in September 2024.
Despite eliminations in the World Cup octafinals against the US (2002) and Argentina (2010), Aguirre boasts two titles with the Mexican national team: Gold Cup 2009 and CONCACAF Nations League 2025.
With two wins left to secure his third trophy, Aguirre must first overcome Honduras in the semifinals. He commented, “CONCACAF always has very disputed and energetic matches. We know each other well, and I hope for a game full of struggle, enthusiasm, and energy. It’s a neutral venue, and we’ll try to impose our game to make it to the final.”
Aguirre’s Winning Record
Aguirre’s winning record with the Mexican national team stands as follows: nine Gold Cup wins, nine World Cup qualifiers, three World Cup matches, three Copa América games, and three CONCACAF Nations League matches.
Gilberto Mora Breaks Youth Record
Another notable mark for Mexico in the victory over Saudi Arabia was Gilberto Mora, a Xolos de Tijuana midfielder, who became the youngest player to participate in an official match.
At 16 years and 257 days, the Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas native surpassed Carlos Laviada’s record of 18 years and 215 days set during the 1934 World Cup qualifiers. Following him are Luis Estrada (18 years and 248 days) and Diego Reyes (18 years and 288 days).
“The best thing about him is his positioning and willingness to learn; he has no ceiling. Many of us weren’t at that age on a team, and this kid is in the national team without missing a beat,” Aguirre praised Mora, who started and played 73 minutes against Saudi Arabia.
Mora debuted in Liga MX in August 2024 under Juan Carlos Osorio’s guidance in Tijuana at 15 years and 10 months. Soon, he caught Aguirre’s attention for the national team.
“There’s a great rule about young players that is fantastic, an achievement by Liga MX, as it forces you to play a percentage of the season with young players. It’s wonderful. Sometimes, coaches, including myself, are hesitant to rely on them because they get benched. But these young players do help, and you must use them,” Aguirre explained.
Mora also became the youngest Mexican player in Gold Cup history, surpassing Efraín Álvarez (19 years and 21 days in 2021) and Edson Álvarez (19 years and 258 days in 2017).
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Javier Aguirre, and why is he relevant? Javier Aguirre is the head coach of the Mexican national team. He is now the coach with the most official victories (27) for Mexico, surpassing Ricardo La Volpe. Aguirre has led the team in three different stints, securing two titles: Gold Cup 2009 and CONCACAF Nations League 2025.
- Why is Gilberto Mora’s performance significant? Gilberto Mora, a Xolos de Tijuana midfielder, made his official debut with the Mexican national team at 16 years and 257 days, breaking the youth record previously held by Carlos Laviada. Mora’s performance highlights Liga MX’s successful rule promoting young talent.
