El Trí started the campaign with a 4-0 victory over Haiti before completing the group stages with a 2-1 win against Guatemala and a 1-1 draw with Panama.
Managed by Eduardo Arce, the former Puebla man guided the side beyond the quarter final stage, where they crashed out last time by beating Costa Rice 2-1. The game was tied until the 83rd minute when Amaury Morales Rosas scored the decisive goal to send Mexico to the final four.
In the semi final, they met with Cuba. They comfortably saw off the challenge with goals from 17-year-old Mateo Levy and Diego Ochoa to seal a final with the United States, the reigning champions after their triumph in 2022.
The final, held at the Leon Stadium saw its first significant moment just before the hour mark when Nimfasha Berchimas opened the scoring for the reigning champions. As time looked to be running out, the game went into the 96th minute when the Cruz Azul striker Mateo Levy equalled the scoreline, rising high the youngster was able to glance his head towards the far post, sending the fans at the León stadium into pandemonium.
Forced into extra time, Mexico went on to attempt 33 shots across the 120 minutes but found their winner in added time of extra time. Heartbreak for the United States who conceded late into added time of both the initial match and into extra time. This time, the comeback was sealed by Diego Ochoa, meaning that both of the scorers against Cuba were able to net in the all-important final.
The dagger into the American hearts was from another header. In the US box after an initial corner, the ball was swung back into the box but towards the back post. Straying away from the goal, the central defender from Chivas was able to loop his header over the US goalkeeper, shocking the entire stadium.
Mexico were seconds away from losing the final, whilst also being seconds away from a penalty shootout fate. However, late goals were crucial to win their first title since 2015. Additionally, the result ended the US dominance in this tournament, where they were on course to win a fourth consecutive title.
Next up for this squad is the U-20 World Cup next summer, but far can they go?