Mexico got by already-qualified Morocco to finish second in Group C, while Spain eliminated Brazil and booked their place in the knockouts by finishing third in the same section at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™. In Group D, Argentina finished top after beating Italy, who went through as runners-up. Australia defeated Cuba to place third and will see their fate decided by tomorrow’s results.
Today’s results have ensured Korea Republic have qualified from Group B, while Group F pair Colombia and Norway are also guaranteed to advance.
Group C
Spain 1-0 Brazil
Spain goal: Iker Bravo (47)
Iker Bravo netted the only goal to see Spain leapfrog Brazil into third and eliminate their South American counterparts. Brazil had chances to net in the first half, with Luighi failing to convert the best of them when one on one with Fran Gonzalez. Down the other end, Bravo saw a powerful effort repelled by Otavio’s feet, before Pablo Garica curled an effort just wide.
That pair combined just after the break to great effect, with Garcia sliding in his captain, who rounded Otavio and tapped home. Brazil ramped up the pressure from there and substitute Rhuan Gabriel was denied by a pair of fine Gonzalez stops, before he once again foiled Luighi from close range.
The result means Spain stay in with a chance of progressing as one of the best third-places teams, while Brazil are headed home.
Quotes
“It’s hard even to speak. But we have to hold our heads high. When you win, you leave your mark, and when you lose, you also leave a mark and a few closed scars. No-one is going to stop playing football because of this elimination; everyone will keep trying to do their best. Everyone is very sad and disappointed with the elimination.”
Ramon Menezes, Brazil coach
Stat
Brazil have been eliminated at this stage for the first time.
Mexico 1-0 Morocco
Mexico goal: Gilberto Mora pen (51)
A second-half Gilberto Mora penalty proved enough for Mexico to defeat Morocco and qualify behind them in second place.
The opening period provided very little in terms of goal-mouth action but exploded into life quickly after the restart. Obed Vargas scuffed a shot inside the Morocco box, which struck the hand of Anas Tajaouart on the way through. Gilberto stepped up and cooly slotted home his third goal of these finals. Morocco looked to have snapped back almost instantly, but the lineman’s flag denied Younes El Bahraoui.
Mexico will now face host nation Chile in the last 16, while Morocco will take on the third-placed side from Group A, B or F.
Stat
Mexico have finished a group stage undefeated for the first time since Canada 2007.
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Group D
Argentina 1-0 Italy
Argentina goal: Dylan Gorosito (74)
A stunning solo goal by Dylan Gorosito ensured Argentina finished top of Group D, while Italy progressed in second.
Argentina almost opened the scoring in bizarre fashion, with left-back Julio Soler’s cross hitting the crossbar. The same then happened from the other side, as Tobias Ramirez’s centre deflected on to the woodwork. Italy thought they’d taken the lead through Lorenzo Riccio just before the break, but it was disallowed for a foul in the build-up.
The winning goal came from an unlikely source. Substitute right-back Gorosito picked the ball up 25 yards from goal, dummied one Italian, nut-megged a second and prodded home. Diego Placente’s men will now face a third-placed side from Group B, E or F, while Italy will tackle the Group E winners.
Stat
Argentina have now topped the standings at eight tournaments this millennium.
Australia 3-1 Cuba
Australia goals: Max Caputo (20, 50), Daniel Bennie (39)
Cuba goal: Alessio Raballo (63)
Australia gave themselves a fighting chance of advancing with victory over Cuba. Louis Agosti almost gave Australia the lead with a powerful effort from the edge of the area, but Yurdy Hodelin was equal to it with a stunning save. He was beaten shortly after, though, as Max Caputo rolled home when through on goal, with Daniel Bennie quickly making it two.
Caputo notched his second just after the break, lashing home after a mix up in the Cuban rearguard. Trevor Morgan’s side then passed up chances to add to the scoreline and were punished, as Alessio Raballo stole in to convert a cross from the left. Agosti continued his personal duel with Hodelin, with the Cuban stopper tipping his long-range effort on to the post.
The Young Socceroos must now wait to see how Groups E and F finish tomorrow.
Stat
Caputo is the first Australian player to hit an U-20 World Cup brace since Anthony Danze did so in a historic 3-2 win over Brazil at United Arab Emirates 2003.
