Mexico's Under-17 soccer team made history on Sunday by qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will take place from November 5 to 27, 2025, in Qatar. The team secured their place by drawing 2-2 with Nicaragua, finishing the tournament undefeated and at the top of their group.
The match was held at the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, and the Mexican squad, led by coach Carlos Cariño, concluded the competition with ten points from four matches. Other teams in Group G included Barbados, Belice, and Dominica, with Mexico outpacing them all.
It was not without its challenges. Mexico found themselves trailing early when Jocksan Gámez scored for Nicaragua just three minutes in. But José Mancilla quickly equalized just minutes later, setting the tone for the battle to come. Then, in the second half, Máximo Reyes put the Mexicans up 2-1 with a powerful header from a corner kick. Just as it seemed Mexico would secure victory, Diego Gutiérrez scored for Nicaragua at the last moment, but the tie was enough for Mexico to finish as group leaders.
Aldo Patricio De Nigris and Jorge Sánchez, key players from the Rayados Sub-17 team, were noteworthy contributors to the Mexican side's success. De Nigris scored twice against Barbados and Dominica, helping Mexico achieve commanding wins of 6-0 and 8-0, respectively. Sánchez also played significantly, contributing to the team's 3-0 win over Belice.
This qualification marks the sixteenth time Mexico has earned its spot at the U-17 World Cup, and it is their eighth consecutive qualification, demonstrating the nation's consistency and strength in youth soccer.
"La Selección Mexicana Sub-17 consiguió uno de los ocho boletos disponibles en Concacaf para el Mundial de la especialidad Qatar 2025," stated the Associated Press, highlighting the importance of this achievement. The upcoming World Cup will feature 48 teams, as FIFA continues to expand World Cup formats to include more countries.
Fans eagerly await the draw to determine Mexico's group stage opponents, with FIFA yet to announce details about the locations or timing of the lottery.
This experience signifies not just the talent and hard work of the players but also the growing stature of Mexican football on the global stage. The Under-17 squad has shown remarkable resilience, and their successful qualification is something for which fans can be incredibly proud.
With the eyes of the soccer world set on Qatar, Mexico's young team looks to not only participate but leave their mark on this prestigious competition.