Mexico’s journey at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 came to an abrupt and painful end after a 5–0 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 16.
Just days after their emotional victory over Argentina, the Mexican side was unable to maintain the momentum that had fueled their early promise. Between defensive lapses, disciplinary problems, and the physical toll of previous matches, Mexico struggled to compete and ultimately fell short, concluding their participation in the tournament.
A Costly Start for Mexico
Mexico entered the match with confidence but quickly encountered trouble. A defensive miscommunication inside the box led to a penalty against José Navarro, giving Portugal the early advantage from the spot. The moment immediately shifted the tone of the game — not because of Portugal’s strength, but because Mexico found itself chasing the score far sooner than anticipated.
Things worsened when Navarro was shown a red card in the 35th minute after a VAR review. Down to ten men, Mexico’s tactical plan collapsed. Instead of pressing forward with the dynamism shown in previous matches, the team was forced to retreat, defend deeper, and absorb constant pressure. The early sending-off became the turning point that Mexico was never able to recover from.
Mexico Struggles to Respond
With one player down, Mexico attempted to reorganize defensively, but the team looked physically and mentally strained. The effort they spent in their dramatic win over Argentina just days before appeared to weigh heavily on the squad.
Key creative players like Gael García, who had been influential earlier in the tournament, struggled to connect plays under the intense pressing they faced.
As the match progressed, Mexico’s defensive line weakened, midfield transitions slowed, and the team could no longer maintain its structure.
The goals conceded in the second half were less about Portuguese brilliance and more about Mexico’s inability to stay compact, track runners, or relieve pressure effectively. Mistakes multiplied, and without possession, the team grew increasingly vulnerable.
A Symbolic Ending
Perhaps the most symbolic moment of Mexico’s difficult evening came in the 88th minute, when goalkeeper Santiago López — the hero who converted the winning penalty against Argentina — was sent off after a late challenge. The red card marked a dramatic contrast from his earlier tournament triumph and reflected Mexico’s unraveling in the match.
This final blow highlighted Mexico’s biggest issues on the night: discipline, emotional control, and the inability to adapt once things began to spiral. What had been a resilient team in earlier matches lost its composure when faced with adversity.
Mexico’s 5–0 defeat in the Round of 16 was a harsh but revealing moment for the U-17 program. While the team showed heart and character earlier in the tournament — especially in their victory over Argentina — their elimination exposed deeper problems: defensive fragility, inconsistency, and a lack of discipline in high-pressure situations.
Despite the painful exit, the tournament provided valuable experience. Several players showed potential, and the lessons learned from this defeat may shape the future of this generation. Mexico leaves Qatar with moments of pride, but also with clear areas that must improve if they hope to compete with the world’s strongest youth teams.