Mexico Defeats CanWNT at U-20 CONCACAF, Both Into Semis
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By Ava Tremblay
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Summary:
- Mexico’s team defeated Canada (4-2) in Monday’s U-20 Women’s CONCACAF group-stage finale.
- Heavy rain interrupted the match for three hours.
- Both teams will participate in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, thanks to early qualifiers.
Defending champions Mexico passed Canada in a rain-soaked 4-2 win at the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship. Montserrat Saldivar’ double secured her team top spot in Group B.
Rain Halted Play for Three Hours
Heavy rain poured down early in the match at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. Referee Alyssa Nichols was forced to halt play after the first half an hour, when the game was locked at 1-1.
Tension accumulated as players had to wait for close to three hours before the game was officially resumed on a pitch covered in puddles.
Soon after, Mexico quickly took advantage. Maria Gonzalez scored in the 37th minute following a scramble in the box, and Saldivar added her first just before halftime after a long through ball left her one-on-one with the keeper.
Canada had taken the initial lead in the 18th minute when Mexican goalkeeper Mariangela Medina, who plays at UCLA, misplayed a clearance that fell straight to Teegan Melenhorst. She capitalized with a strong finish into the top of the net.
Mexico equalized in the 26th minute after Alice Soto’s low-driven corner kick ricocheted off Canadian defender Janet Okeke and past goalkeeper Noelle Henning for an own goal.
“Difference-Maker” Chukwu Brought Second Goal
Down 3-1 at halftime, Canada made a key substitution, bringing on Annabelle Chukwu. The 18-year-old striker from Ottawa wasted no time making her presence felt, heading in a goal off a Melenhorst cross in the 59th minute.
Chukwu, who plays for Notre Dame and has been called into Canadian senior camp, now has 38 goals in 40 youth international appearances.
“She’s a difference-maker”, coach Cindy Tye had said earlier in the tournament.
Mexico sealed the win in the 84th minute when Saldivar struck again, finishing a Michel Fong pass that split the Canadian defense.
Expected Semifinal Clash with the U.S.
While recording 52% possession and managing to outshoot their opponents 20-12 overall, Canada’s team could not ultimately find the breakthrough they needed.
Both teams are now looking ahead to the upcoming knockout rounds just ahead of the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup in Poland.
Canada and Mexico have both bagged their spots at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup thanks to earlier wins over Panama and Nicaragua.
However, Monday’s match carried particular weight, as finishing first in the group likely meant dodging a semifinal clash with the powerhouse United States, seven-time CONCACAF champs.
Get the best live odds for the rest of the tournament with Betting.ca – Can Canada make it to the final to win their third title?
