Morocco stunned another global giant at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ as they defeated Brazil to secure their place in the next round. Argentina confirmed they’ll join them with victory over Australia. Earlier in the day, Cuba battled back from two down with Italy to earn a maiden finals point, while Mexico clinched another late draw against Spain.
Group C
Spain 2-2 Mexico
Spain goal: Pablo Garcia (42) Iker Bravo pen (80)
Mexico goal: Gilberto Mora (32, 87)
Mexico struck late to rescue a draw with Spain. La Rojaita were on the front foot in the first half-hour and had an Iker Bravo effort trickle off the post, but it was Mexico breaking the deadlock when a slick pass from Alexei Dominguez set up Gilberto Mora’s sweeping finish.
Spain responded in style, as Bravo dummied a Jan Virgili pass, allowing Pablo Garcia to curl home a left-footed laser. Bravo remained Spain’s dangerman and he gave his side the lead from the penalty spot after his superb pass had released Virgili, who was brought down in the Mexico area. But Mora had the last word with a perfectly-placed effort in the final minutes to earn his side a share of the spoils.
Quotes
“It was a great game for both teams; we both created chances to win. I’m really happy to have been able to help my team, it’s always important, because everything I do is for them. We’ll keep working to score more goals”.
Gilberto Mora, Mexico midfielder
Stat
At 16 years and 352 days, Gilberto Mora is the youngest goalscorer at Chile 2025 so far.
Brazil 1-2 Morocco
Brazil goal: Iago Teodoro pen (90+2)
Morocco goals: Othmane Maamma (60), Yassir Zabiri (76)
Morocco confirmed their spot atop Group C with a stunning win over Brazil. In a first half of few openings, the South Americans were handed a golden chance when Luighi appeared to be tripped by Ismael Baouf in the area. Upon review, however, the referee reversed his decision and booked the Brazilian for simulation.
Morocco grew into the game and took the lead when Gessime Yassine’s deep cross was turned in by a stunning Othmane Maamma scissor kick. The Atlas Cubs made it two as Yassine battled in midfield and slipped through Yassir Zabiri who lashed home with the outside of his boot from the left of the box. Brazil captain Iago Teodoro pulled one back with a late penalty, but the day belonged to the Africans.
Quotes
“This result hurts a lot. We had the chances to finish the match, but a football game lasts 90, 95, 100 minutes. We already knew all the difficulties the match would present. I believe we were superior, but we didn’t score. Games are decided in the details. We conceded the first goal, and then conceded the second with a mistake. But we still believe. Mexico has two points, Spain has one like us, so it’s going to be another final. Every match is decisive for the Seleção.”
Ramon Menezes, Brazil coach
Stat
Brazil have failed to win either of their opening two matches at the U-20 World Cup for the first time.
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Group D
Italy 2-2 Cuba
Italy goals: Andrea Natali (14), Jamal Iddrissou (31)
Cuba goal: Michael Camejo pen (70) pen (86)
A pair of second-half penalties saw Cuba rally from two down and earn a maiden U-20 World Cup point with ten-player Italy.
The Azzurini hit the front when centre-back Andrea Natali prodded home from five yards out. One became two soon after, as Jamal Iddrissou flicked home brilliantly from a Cristian Cama cross. Italy could have pulled further clear but instead saw the game flip on its head, as Iddrissou received a second booking in first-half stoppage time for a foul on Jade Quinones.
Cuba took full use of the numerical advantage. First, Natali was adjudged to have caught Marcos Campos with a stray elbow inside the area following a review. Michael Camejo stepped up and tucked the spot-kick home. Lightning struck again before too long, with Christian Corradi penalised, again via review, for a shove on Didier Reinoso. Camejo once again took responsibility and calmly slotted in.
Quotes
“I feel really proud, I didn’t expect this but thank God I was given the opportunity and now we’ll look ahead.”
Michael Camejo, Cuba midfielder
Stat
Michael Camejo is the first player to score two penalties in an U-20 World Cup match since Erik Lamela for Argentina in their 2-1 win over Egypt at Colombia 2011.
Argentina 4-1 Australia
Argentina goals: Alejo Sarco (3), Tomas Perez (45), Ian Subiabre (90+3), Santino Andino (90+5)
Australia goal: Daniel Bennie (69)
A late flurry of goals saw Argentina book their place in the last 16. The Young Albiceleste netted early as Alejo Sarco got in behind and side-footed home. Australia thought they’d levelled when Tiago Quintal robbed Milton Delgado in the box and lobbed Santino Barbi, but he was penalised for a foul following a review. Shook by that, Argentina quickly set about doubling their lead as Maher Carrizo squared for Tomas Perez to tap in.
Trevor Morgan’s side got back into the game when Barbi raced out of his box and missed the ball, allowing Daniel Bennie to turn home into an unguarded net. Australia pushed from there but were caught cold at the back, as Ian Subiabre steered home a cut-back, before Santino Andino put the cherry on top with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box.
Stat
Alejo Sarco is the first Argentinian player to net three times across the opening two matches since Leandro Fernandez at United Arab Emirates 2003.
