Overview
Mexico’s Sub-20 female soccer team, known as “Tricolor,” lost the Concacaf championship final to Canada with a score of 3-2. The match, held in extra time at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica, saw Canada secure their third title (2004, 2008, and now 2025), while Mexico failed to defend their 2023 triumph.
The Match
Canadian player Chukwu scored the winning goal in the 120’+2’ minute, securing Canada’s victory. Mexican player Montserrat Saldívar scored two goals, one from a penalty kick in the 61st minute and another in the first extra time period at the 96th minute, keeping Mexico in contention until Canada’s late surge that resulted in a 2-3 final score.
Team Background
The Mexican team, led by Director Técnico Doriva Bueno, entered the final as Group B leaders and secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup in Poland following the semifinals. The tournament, held from May 29 to June 8 in Costa Rica, allocated four spots to the top two teams from each group (Group A: USA and Costa Rica; Group B: Mexico and Canada).
Doriva Bueno’s Appointment
In February of this year, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced a restructuring of their youth national teams, appointing Brazilian coach Doriva Bueno as the Sub-20 team’s director. With over 17 years of experience in both women’s and men’s soccer, Doriva Bueno has coached various youth teams in Brazil, Peru, and Nicaragua. He also managed Club Sporting Cristal in Peru and Club Corinthians Paulista’s Sub-20 team.
Mexico’s Tournament Performance
- Group Stage:
- Mexico 6-0 Nicaragua
- Panama 0-4 Mexico
- Mexico 4-2 Canada
- Semifinal:
- Mexico 4-0 Costa Rica
- Final:
- Mexico 2-3 Canada
Concacaf Rankings
According to the March 2025 Concacaf Sub-20 Women’s Ranking, Mexico ranks second, just behind the United States.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Doriva Bueno? Doriva Bueno is a Brazilian soccer coach with over 17 years of experience in both women’s and men’s soccer. He has coached various youth teams in Brazil, Peru, and Nicaragua, as well as managed Club Sporting Cristal in Peru and Club Corinthians Paulista’s Sub-20 team.
- What was the outcome of Mexico’s Sub-20 team in the Concacaf championship? Mexico lost to Canada 3-2 in the final, failing to defend their title from 2023. Despite this loss, they secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup in Poland.
- How did Mexico perform throughout the tournament? Mexico won all their group stage matches, defeating Nicaragua 6-0 and Panama 4-0 before securing a 4-2 victory over Canada. They continued their winning streak in the semifinals, trouncing Costa Rica 4-0. However, they fell short in the final against Canada, losing 2-3.
- Where does Mexico stand in the Concacaf Sub-20 Women’s Ranking? As of March 2025, Mexico ranks second in the Concacaf Sub-20 Women’s Ranking, following the United States.