Mexico tops Panama in Women’s U-17 Qualifiers

ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – The Final Round of the 2026 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Qualifiers continued with Mexico winning 6-1 against Panama in Group C on Thursday at the Costa Rica Football Federation Field #2 in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

María Pérez found the breakthrough for Mexico in the 28’ with a stunning curler from outside the box.

Dafne Sánchez doubled the lead for El Tricolor in the 31’ with a powerful hit from the right side of the box.

Panama captain Cristabella Ríos headed home a corner kick delivery from Gabriela Rodríguez in the 40’ to shorten the deficit.

Vanessa Paredes restored Mexico’s two-goal advantage in the 45’ with a header to the center of the goal on a corner. Sánchez provided the assist on the play.

Substitute Naomi Rojo added another in the 69’, cutting in from the left flank before burying an effort from long distance.

Citlalli Reyes scored inside the box in the 73’ to capitalize on an individual effort. Ixchel Alenha Uscanga struck a banger from long-range in the 77’ to round out the victory.

Group C wraps up play on Sunday, March 22. Mexico will meet Costa Rica in a decisive battle for first place, while Panama will take on Jamaica.

**Post– Match Data **

· María Natalia Pérez, Vanessa Lyliana Paredes, and Naomi Ximena Rojo (MEX) each scored their first goal, while teammate Ixchel Alehna Uscanga netted her second after previously scoring against Jamaica (March 17, 2026).

· Dafne Zoé Sánchez (MEX ) reached three goals and became the first Mexican player to score in three consecutive editions of the Concacaf Women’s U-17 Qualifiers Final Round: 2024 (1 goal), 2025 (1 goal), and 2026 (1 goal).

· Cristabella Naishel Ríos (PAN ) scored her second goal after netting against Costa Rica (March 17, 2026).

· Citlali Yatzil Reyes (MEX ) reached nine goals in tournament history. With her latest goals, she moved into fourth place among the all-time top scorers in the Final Round of the Concacaf Women’s U-17 Qualifiers, alongside Tatiana Flores Dorrell (MEX) and Lindsey Michelle Horan (USA).

· Panama suffered its fourth defeat in as many matches against Mexico in tournament history. It was also the first time Las Canaleras scored against Mexico.

· Mexico recorded its 12th win in as many matches against Central American opposition in tournament history. Panama is the team that has most frequently conceded the same number of goals (6) against Mexico, and, along with Costa Rica, holds the most defeats against Las Aztecas (4 each).