For the third consecutive summer, Chapel Hill has become a vibrant hub for international soccer, hosting another thrilling friendly match at the iconic Kenan Memorial Stadium. This time around, the men’s national teams of Mexico and Türkiye faced off in a historic first meeting, captivating a crowd of over 25,000 passionate fans on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
The event, part of the 2025 MexTour, follows the successful fixtures of Chelsea vs. Wrexham in 2023 and Manchester City vs. Celtic F.C. in 2024, continuing a tradition that has brought top-tier soccer to the University of North Carolina campus. The kickoff at 8:30 p.m. ET set the stage for a fiercely contested battle between two teams gearing up for their respective international campaigns.
In a tightly fought match, Mexico edged out Türkiye 1-0, with Orbelín Pineda scoring the decisive goal just before halftime. His expertly placed shot from the center of the box beat Türkiye’s goalkeeper Berke Özer, giving Mexico a crucial lead heading into the break. Despite trailing, Türkiye dominated possession and outshot Mexico 12-4, relentlessly pressing for an equalizer throughout the second half.
Türkiye had several near misses, including a free kick from Kaan Ayhan that was brilliantly saved by Mexico’s goalkeeper Luis Malagón, and a powerful left-footed shot by Irfan Can Kahveci that soared over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Mexico’s defense held firm, with key interventions by defenders like César Montes, who made a stunning sweep to deflect a dangerous attack. On the offensive end, Mexico came close to extending their lead when César Huerta’s powerful shot hit the post following a precise pass from Jesús Gallardo.
Both sides made tactical substitutions as the match wore on. México introduced fresh legs with Erik Lira, César Huerta, and Roberto Alvarado replacing Edson Álvarez, Alexis Vega, and Orbelín Pineda, while Türkiye brought on players like Orkun Kökçü and Denis Gül to increase attacking pressure. The intensity of the game was palpable, with moments of heated exchanges and physical challenges, including a clash of heads between César Montes and Merih Müldür, which thankfully did not escalate further.
This friendly served as a key final test for Mexico ahead of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where they will look to defend their 2023 title. Mexico holds a proud record in CONCACAF with 14 continental championships and is also preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which it will co-host with the United States, granting the team automatic qualification. The match in Chapel Hill was an opportunity for head coach Javier Aguirre to experiment with his squad and solidify his lineup. Notably, Mateo Chavez and Ramon Juarez made their debut appearances under Aguirre’s guidance, while Santiago Gimenez and Angel Sepulveda, who scored in the recent friendly against Switzerland, also featured prominently.
Türkiye, on the other hand, came into the match riding high after a 2-1 victory against the U.S. men’s national team on June 7, 2025. Their performance in Euro 2024 was impressive, finishing fifth overall after a strong run that included a Round of 16 win over Austria. The Crescent-Stars are now focused on their UEFA qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, competing in a tough group with Spain, Georgia, and Bulgaria. Coach Vincenzo Montella stressed the importance of this friendly, saying, “Our opponent is a tough rival. They're the last team to win the Gold Cup. But we want to finish this process well, because after that, we want to fully concentrate on September, a very important month for us. I prepare all our matches like a final. I want to go on vacation with the best result. We treat it as a different kind of test.”
Fans in Chapel Hill were treated to more than just the match itself. The atmosphere was electric with pre-game festivities including the AT&T-sponsored Fútbol Fiesta near UNC’s Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower, featuring food, drinks, music, and giveaways. The Mexico soccer fan club, Pancho Villa’s Army, hosted a family-friendly tailgate downtown at The Porch of the Rosemary Parking Deck, adding to the community spirit. Local businesses also prepared to welcome visitors, making the matchday experience a true celebration of international soccer.
Parking and transportation were carefully managed to accommodate the influx of fans. UNC offered prepaid parking passes for its decks at $50 per vehicle, while downtown Chapel Hill provided lots at a special event rate of $30. Notably, the parking lot at 151 East Rosemary Street was managed by Extraordinary Ventures, a nonprofit supporting adults with autism, with proceeds benefiting this community. Carrboro’s public lots remained free but with a two-hour limit, and park and ride options via Chapel Hill Transit offered affordable alternatives with a $2 daily fee. Although the Tar Heel Express shuttle was not operating for this event, the town’s fare-free transit system remained a viable option for attendees.
Security measures were strictly enforced at Kenan Stadium, including a clear bag policy to expedite entry and ensure safety. After the final whistle, a few fans briefly entered the pitch seeking photos and autographs, but stadium security promptly restored order. The match concluded with five minutes of added time, reflecting the intense back-and-forth action on the field.
Looking ahead, Mexico’s next official match is set for Saturday, June 14, 2025, marking the start of their Gold Cup campaign against the Dominican Republic. With six wins already recorded in North Carolina, Mexico’s record on home turf is formidable, and the team will be eager to build momentum from this hard-fought victory. For Türkiye, the focus shifts to the upcoming qualifiers later this year, aiming to secure a spot in the World Cup and continue their upward trajectory in international soccer.
Both teams demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen in this landmark encounter, setting the stage for exciting developments in the months to come. As Mexico and Türkiye continue their preparations on the international stage, the Chapel Hill friendly will be remembered as a spirited contest that showcased the passion and skill of two proud soccer nations.
