Top moments from the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship
Mexico’s record 15th title, World Cup qualification for Canada and Costa Rica, and Jahmarie Nolan’s standout performance highlight the tournament’s top moments.
MIAMI - The 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship delivered memorable moments throughout the competition, culminating with Mexico lifting the trophy. Here are some of the top moments that stood out from this year’s edition of the tournament.
Mexico wins record 15th title
Mexico impressed throughout the tournament en route to a second consecutive, and record 15th total title. El Tricolor enjoyed a perfect Group Stage, recording three clean sheets and scoring nine combined goals to top Group B. That form continued in the Quarterfinals, with the side recording a 4-0 win over Panama.
The only goal Mexico conceded in the tournament came in the 2-1 win over Canada in the Semifinals. El Tricolor put a stamp on the dominant run with a 2-0 shutout of the United States in the Final.
Hugo Camberos starred for Mexico, winning the Golden Boot with five goals and earning Best Player of the U-20 Championship honors.
Canada ends 20-year World Cup wait
Canada had a strong tournament as it reached the Semifinals, falling just short to eventual champions Mexico.
The Reds finished atop Group C with five points, notably earning a 3-0 win over Panama in the opener.
The team went on to record a historic result in the Quarterfinals, a 3-1 victory over Jamaica led by a Liam Mackenzie brace. The result secured the country’s FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 berth.
Canada also displayed its various scoring options throughout the tournament as seven different players tallied goals over the five matches.
Costa Rica returns to World Cup after 10 years
Los Ticos made a strong run to the Semifinals, earning a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027.
Costa Rica finished second in Group B with wins over Guatemala and Antigua and Barbuda.
In the Quarterfinals, Costa Rica defeated Haiti in a penalty shootout to secure its spot in the Semifinals, where it would fall to the United States.
Costa Rica was the only Central American team to reach the Semifinals in this year’s edition of the U-20 Championship.
Jahmarie Nolan’s breakout year continues
The 16-year-old Jamaican forward continues to shine, putting together a stellar U-20 Championship run. He scored in every game Jamaica played, recording four goals and finishing tied for second in the Golden Boot race.
The performance followed Nolan’s Best Player honors at the 2026 U-17 World Cup qualification tournament, where he recorded four goals and two assists in three matches, helping his nation book a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026.
