MIAMI – The FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 continues on Wednesday, including Concacaf nations Cuba and Mexico playing in their second fixtures of the Group Stage.
Mexico will face Spain in the host nation’s capital. Cuba will play against Italy, simultaneously, in Valparaíso.
Mexico searches for first three points against last places Spain
Mexico faces Spain in Group C at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile.
Alexéi Domínguez and Diego Ochoa scored for Mexico in each half to rescue a point against Brazil. Gilberto Mora collected an assist and was also influential in creating the opening goal.
Spain will be looking to climb out of last place after starting its campaign with a loss to Morocco.
Mexico vs. Spain
This will be the fifth all-time meeting between Mexico and Spain in FIFA U-20 World Cup history. So far, Mexico has yet to claim a victory, with a record of 2 draws and 2 defeats.
· June 30, 1977 – Tunisia 1977, MD2 Group A
At the Olympique El Menzah Stadium in Tunis, Mexico and Spain drew 1-1.
José Ricardo Escobar (46’) scored for Spain, while Hugo Rodríguez (73’) equalized for Mexico.
· August 27, 1979 – Japan 1979, MD2 Group A
At the Tokyo Olympic Stadium, Spain secured a 2-1 win.
The Spanish goals came from José Pichardo (8’) and Gail (74’), while Mario Díaz (56’) scored for Mexico.
· October 6, 1981 – Australia 1981, MD2 Group C
At the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, the two sides played to another 1-1 draw.
Sebastián “Chano” Serrano (45’ pen) put Spain ahead, but Agustín Coss (75’)
equalized for Mexico.
· July 2, 2013 – Turkey 2013, Round of 16
At the Ali Sami Yen Arena in Istanbul, Spain defeated Mexico 2-1 in their only knockout-stage clash to date.
The Spanish goals came from Derik Osede (74’) and Jesé Rodríguez (90’), while
Arturo Alfonso González (2’) had given Mexico an early lead.
Head-to-head record – FIFA U-20 World Cup (Mexico vs. Spain)
· 4 matches played
· 2 wins for Spain (6 goals scored)
· 2 draws
· 0 wins for Mexico (4 goals scored)
Cuba seeks to bounce back against Italy
Cuba meets Italy in Group D at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander in Valparaíso, Chile.
Karel Pérez struck the lone goal for Cuba, and its second ever in a FIFA U-20 World Cup, in the 3-1 loss to Argentina. The Caribbean side will seek to bounce back and collect its first set of points against Italy.
The Italians will look to add to its opening victory and rise in the group standings.
Italy vs. Cuba
This will be the first-ever meeting between Italy and Cuba in FIFA U-20 World Cup history. For Cuba, it will be just their second match against a European opponent in the tournament.
· June 27, 2013 – Turkey 2013, MD3 Group B
At the Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri, Cuba fell 0-5 to Portugal.
The Portuguese goals were scored by Ricardo Pereira (15’), Alberto Aladje Gomes (37’), Armindo Tué Na Bangna “Bruma” (43’, 62’) and António José Pinheiro “Tozé” (69’).
Italy, meanwhile, will face a Concacaf representative for the seventh time in tournament history, holding an unbeaten record of 5 wins, 1 draw and 0 defeats (GF-16, GA-6). The Italians are currently on a streak of five consecutive victories against Concacaf sides.
· May 27, 2023 – Argentina 2023, MD3 Group D
At the Estadio Malvinas Argentina’s in Mendoza, Italy defeated the Dominican Republic 3-0.
Goals came from Cesare Casadei (19’, 84’) and Giuseppe Ambrosino (50’).
It will also be the third encounter for Italy against a Caribbean opponent in the competition.
· September 28, 2009 – Egypt 2009, MD2 Group A
At the Cairo International Stadium, Italy earned a 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago.
The goals were scored by Michelangelo Albertazzi (39’) and Silvano Raggio (78’) for Italy, while Juma Clarence (67’) scored for the Trinidadians.
· The second Caribbean match was the 3-0 victory against the Dominican Republic in 2023.
Historical record – Cuba vs. European teams (FIFA U-20 World Cup)
· 1 match played
· 1 win for Europe (Portugal, 5 goals scored)
· 0 draws
· 0 wins for Cuba (0 goals scored)
