Mexico-Brazil, Cuba-Argentina headlines second day of FIFA U-20 World Cup | OneFootball

MIAMI – The FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 continues with its second matchday on Sunday, including Concacaf nations Cuba and Mexico opening their campaigns in the day’s closing matches.

Mexico will face Brazil in the host nation’s capital. Cuba will kick off group play against Argentina, simultaneously, in Valparaíso.

Mexico vs. Brazil

Mexico faces Brazil in Group C at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile.

This encounter will pit the reigning Concacaf Men’s U-20 Championship winners against the champions of CONMEBOL’s South American U-20 Championship.

Mexico will begin its seventeenth participation in the U-20 World Cup, last taking part at the 2019 edition. Gilberto Mora, who helped the senior national team win a record 10th Concacaf Gold Cup this summer, headlines the 21-man squad called up by manager Eduardo Arce.

Arce will also have the likes of Concacaf Champions Cup winners Alexéi Domínguez, Elias Montiel, and Obed Vargas at his disposal. He has also called up Diego Ochoa and Mateo Levy, who, alongside Montiel, were named to the Concacaf Men's U-20 Championship Best XI.

Brazil is the nation with the second-most FIFA U-20 World Cup trophies, with five, the last of which was won in 2011. Brazil has featured some of its future stars at the U-20 World Cup, like Júlio César, Ronaldinho, and Kaká.

Brazil vs. Mexico

This will be the fifth all-time meeting between Brazil and Mexico in FIFA U-20 World Cup history. The “Aztecs” have yet to defeat the “Verdeamarela,” holding a record of 2 draws and 2 defeats, although both teams have achieved progression in knockout phases when facing each other.

·       July 6, 1977 – Tunisia 1977, Semifinals

At the Olympique El Menzah Stadium in Tunis, Mexico and Brazil drew 1-1.

Eduardo Rergis (53’) scored for Mexico, while Jorge Luiz (59’) equalized for Brazil.

The match was decided on penalties, with Mexico winning 5-3 to advance to the Final, where they would lose 9-8 on penalties to the Soviet Union.

·       June 17, 1991 – Portugal 1991, MD2 Group B

At the Estádio das Antas in Porto, Mexico and Brazil battled to a 2-2 draw.

The Brazilian goals came from Paulo Nunes (18’) and Luiz Fernando (45’), while Mexico responded with a brace from Pedro Pineda (57’, 67’).

·       March 9, 1993 – Australia 1993, MD2 Group D

At the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, Brazil edged Mexico 2-1.

The South Americans scored from the penalty spot through Adriano (22’ pen) and

Gian (56’ pen), with Vicente Nieto (80’) pulling one back for Mexico.

·       August 17, 2011 – Colombia 2011, Semifinals

At the Estadio Hernán Ramírez Villegas in Pereira, Brazil won 2-0.

Henrique Almeida (80’, 84’) struck twice to secure Brazil’s place in the Final, which they went on to win 3-2 against Portugal to claim their fifth title in the category.

Cuba vs. Argentina

Cuba meets Argentina in Group D at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander in Valparaíso, Chile.

Cuba will begin its second participation in the U-20 World Cup, making its return after debuting at the 2013 edition. Los Leones del Caribe are seeking their first win at a U-20 World Cup.

Concacaf Men's U-20 Championship Best XI selections Yurdy Hodelin and Karel Pérez headline the 21-man roster chosen by manager Pedro Pereira. Hodelin was the winner of the Best Goalkeeper Award with 23 saves in the 2024 CMU20C.

Argentina is the nation with the most FIFA U-20 World Cup trophies, with six, last winning in 2007, and has featured future stars like Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Sergio Agüero.