Mexico’s national soccer team is one step closer to winning another big trophy after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The exciting match took place on Saturday night in Glendale, Arizona, and it wasn’t an easy win. But thanks to a goal by Alexis Vega and a late own goal by a Saudi defender, Mexico earned a spot in the semi-finals, where they will play Honduras.
Let’s break down what happened in this thrilling soccer showdown—and what it means for the tournament.
What Is the Gold Cup?
Before diving into the match, here’s a quick fact:
The CONCACAF Gold Cup is a major soccer tournament for teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It’s held every two years and includes countries like the USA, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, and others.
Mexico is the most successful team in Gold Cup history. They’ve won it 12 times—more than any other country!
This year, Saudi Arabia was invited as a special guest to play in the Gold Cup. Even though they’re not in CONCACAF (they’re part of Asia’s football region), special guest teams are sometimes allowed to make the tournament more exciting.
First Half: A Tough Start
In the first half of the match, both teams were careful and played good defense. Even though Mexico had more chances to score, Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi and the defenders were ready for the challenge.
In the 13th minute, Alexis Vega made a strong shot from the left side, trying to reach Marcel Ruiz, but the ball went too high. Just two minutes later, Saudi defender Ali Majrashi made a brilliant play, jumping up to block a pass that could have set up a great chance for Mexico’s striker Raul Jimenez.
Majrashi almost became a hero for his own team in the 20th minute. He stole the ball after a mistake by Mexico’s defense and ran straight toward the goal. But his shot was just wide and missed the post. That could have given Saudi Arabia the lead!
Later, Mexico had another big chance. Vega sent a corner kick right to Edson Alvarez, who was standing unmarked in front of the goal. But the goalkeeper made a quick save and kept the game 0-0.
Just before halftime, something special happened. Gilberto Mora, a 16-year-old midfielder, came onto the field and made history as the youngest player to ever play for Mexico in an international match! He sent a cross to Vega, but Vega’s shot missed the goal.
Fun Fact:
Soccer is known as “football” in most countries outside the U.S. and is the most popular sport in the world, played by over 250 million people in more than 200 countries!
Second Half: Mexico Takes Control
After halftime, Mexico came out with more energy. They were clearly looking to score early and break the tie.
In the 48th minute, midfielder Marcel Ruiz received a perfect through ball behind Saudi Arabia’s defenders. He took a shot from close range, but the ball hit the crossbar! The fans couldn’t believe it and groaned loudly.
But just one minute later, the breakthrough finally came.
Raul Jimenez, a forward who plays for Fulham in the English Premier League, sent a quick pass to Vega. Vega sprinted into the penalty box and took a shot. The Saudi goalkeeper blocked the first try, but Vega stayed alert and scored on the rebound! That made it 1-0 for Mexico in the 49th minute.
Vega was thrilled. After the match, he said:
“I’m really happy with the team’s work. We’ll do everything to recover, get ready, and try to reach another grand final.”
Late Own Goal Seals Saudi Arabia’s Fate
Saudi Arabia didn’t give up and tried to find an equalizer. But Mexico stayed strong in defense and waited for the perfect chance to counterattack.
In the 81st minute, Matteo Chavez crossed the ball from the left wing into the Saudi box. As defender Abdullah Madu tried to block it, the ball bounced off him and went into his own goal. It was an own goal, which is when a player accidentally scores for the other team.
That made it 2-0 for Mexico, and Saudi Arabia’s dream of making it to the semi-finals was over.
Fun Fact:
An own goal is rare but happens when a player accidentally puts the ball into their own team’s net. It still counts for the other team!
Final Score:
Mexico 2 – 0 Saudi Arabia
⚽ Alexis Vega (49′)
❌ Own Goal by Abdullah Madu (81′)
What’s Next?
Mexico will now face Honduras in the semi-finals. Earlier the same day, Honduras beat Panama in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The semi-final match will take place in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday.
If Mexico wins that match, they will go to the final, where they could compete for their 13th Gold Cup title.
Quick Soccer Facts for Fun:
The referee controls the game and can give yellow cards (warnings) and red cards (ejections).
A soccer match has two halves of 45 minutes each, with a break at halftime.
In tournaments like the Gold Cup, if a match is tied in knockout rounds, it can go to extra time or penalty kicks to find a winner.
The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their hands—but only inside the penalty box.
Conclusion
Mexico’s win over Saudi Arabia showed that experience, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure really matter. Even though the first half was tough, Mexico’s stars stepped up when it counted.
Now, all eyes are on their next big challenge against Honduras. Will Mexico move on to the final and win their 13th Gold Cup? Fans around the world are watching and cheering them on!
Stay tuned for more soccer action—and maybe learn a few more cool soccer facts along the way!
