Mexico defeats Costa Rica in U-20 Championship

Mexico collected its second win of the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship in pivotal Group B match

PUEBLA, Mexico – The 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship continued as Mexico defeated Costa Rica 2-nil in Group B on Monday at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico.

Costa Rica had a good look in the 19’, but Matías Cordero’s attempt from inside the box was denied by Mexico goalkeeper Sebastian Liceaga.

Mexico took the lead in the 42’ through a penalty converted by Hugo Camberos.

Liceaga made a crucial intervention to preserve Mexico’s lead in the 45’+4’’, denying an effort from long-range from Emmanuel Hernández.

The second half began with Mexico reduced to ten players in the 51’ when Liceaga was shown a red card for a foul just outside the penalty area.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 59’ through an own goal by defender Emmanuel Brenes.

El Tricolor goalkeeper Cristo Navarrete, who entered as a substitute, delivered an acrobatic save to deny a powerful shot from Kaden Farrier in the 90’+8’.

Mexico will face Guatemala in its third and final Group Stage match on Thursday. Costa Rica takes on Antigua and Barbuda on the same day.