Mexico National Football Team vs Saudi Arabia National Football Team Lineups

The clash between the mexico national football team vs saudi arabia national football team lineups delivered an intense quarterfinal battle at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. On June 28, 2025, State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona witnessed Mexico securing a commanding 2-0 victory to advance to the semifinals. The reigning champions displayed their championship pedigree against tournament debutants Saudi Arabia, who made an impressive first appearance in the Gold Cup.

The mexico national football team vs saudi arabia national football team lineups featured critical storylines that shaped the match. Mexico was without midfielder Luis Chávez after he tore his right anterior cruciate ligament in training, while centre-back Cesar Montes was suspended after collecting a second yellow card. These absences forced tactical adjustments from coach Javier Aguirre, who handed a historic debut to 16-year-old Gilberto Mora, making him El Tri’s youngest ever player.

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🏟️ Key Players and Teams Who Took the Field

Teams and Starting Lineups

Mexico Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

• Goalkeeper: Luis Ángel Malagón
• Defenders: Julián Araujo, Edson Álvarez, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo
• Midfielders: Roberto Alvarado, Erik Lira, Marcel Ruiz
• Forwards: Gilberto Mora, Raúl Jiménez, Alexis Vega

Saudi Arabia Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

• Goalkeeper: Nawaf Al-Aqidi
• Defenders: Ali Majrashi, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Madu, Saud Abdulhamid
• Midfielders: Ali Al-Hassan, Ziyad Aljohani, Abdulrahman Al-Obud
• Forwards: Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri, Mukhtar Ali

Game Details

What Was the Event?

This quarterfinal match was part of the knockout stage of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, with Mexico defending their title from 2023.

Where Was the Match Held?

State Farm Stadium is a multi-purpose venue with a retractable roof located in Glendale, Arizona, just west of Phoenix. The stadium regularly hosts major football events and NFL games.

When Did It Take Place?

The match kicked off at 10:15 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in front of a passionate crowd of over 45,000 fans.

Why Was the Match Significant?

This quarterfinal represented several significant storylines. Mexico aimed to defend their Gold Cup crown and pursue a record-extending 10th title. For Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia got past the group stage in their Gold Cup debut, marking a historic achievement for the Asian nation competing in a CONCACAF tournament.

How Did It Unfold Generally?

Mexico managed just one shot on target in the first half as it was frustrated by a Saudi Arabia team that conceded only two goals, and scored only two, in the group phase. The match transformed in the second half when Mexico’s attacking pressure finally broke through Saudi Arabia’s defensive wall.

📊 Half-by-Half Breakdown

First Half (0-0)

Key Moments:

• 3rd Minute: Jesús Gallardo created an early threat down the left flank, forcing Saudi Arabia into an early defensive scramble and winning Mexico’s first corner kick
• 15th Minute: Gilberto Mora, at just 16 years old, had a promising chance but fired his effort over the crossbar in his debut appearance
• 28th Minute: Edson Álvarez had a free header from a well-executed corner routine but couldn’t generate enough power, with Al-Aqidi comfortably collecting
• 35th Minute: Erik Lira tested the Saudi defense with a shot that missed the target
• 42nd Minute: Johan Vásquez attempted an effort that went wide of the goal

Shifts in Momentum: The first half saw Mexico dominate possession but struggle to create clear-cut chances. Saudi Arabia defended resolutely, keeping their defensive shape compact and denying Mexico space in the final third. The Green Falcons successfully frustrated the Mexican forwards, despite having less than one-third of ball possession.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: No substitutions were made during the first half. However, tension escalated before halftime when Saudi Arabia’s Ali Majrashi and Mexico’s Jesús Gallardo were both shown yellow cards after the two exchanged shoves.

Notable Strategies: Mexico controlled possession at 60.3% and applied constant pressure, utilizing their wing-backs to stretch Saudi Arabia’s defense. The Green Falcons employed a deep defensive block with compact lines, focusing on preventing penetration through the center while limiting Mexico to long-range efforts and half-chances.

Extra Insights: The atmosphere at State Farm Stadium was electric, with the majority-Mexican crowd creating a home-like environment for El Tri. Despite their dominance, Mexico’s lack of creativity in the final third became evident, managing just one shot on goal in 45 minutes.

Second Half (2-0)

Key Moments:

• 46th Minute: Marcel Ruiz struck the crossbar immediately after restart, signaling Mexico’s increased urgency
• 49th Minute (GOAL): After running onto a through ball from Raúl Jiménez, Vega had his initial shot saved by goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi but the Toluca forward gleefully snapped up the rebound. VAR confirmed the goal after an initial offside flag. Mexico 1-0
• 60th Minute: Santiago Giménez replaced Raúl Jiménez as Mexico looked to seal the victory
• 69th Minute: Mateo Chávez came on for Jesús Gallardo
• 73rd Minute: Julian Quiñones and Carlos Rodríguez entered for Alexis Vega and Gilberto Mora
• 81st Minute (GOAL): As Santiago Gimenez looked to get on the end of a cross from fellow substitute Mateo Chávez, Saudi Arabia defender Abdullah Madu turned the ball past his own goalkeeper. Mexico 2-0
• 85th Minute: Saudi Arabia made three substitutions in a desperate attempt to salvage the match

Shifts in Momentum: Aguirre’s side came out with renewed purpose at the start of the second. The opening goal completely shifted the match dynamic, forcing Saudi Arabia to abandon their defensive approach and push forward, which created more space for Mexico to exploit.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Mexico made strategic substitutions to maintain their lead and add fresh legs. Saudi Arabia responded with offensive changes, bringing on Marwan Al-Sahafi, Turki Al-Anmar, and Abdullah Al-Salem in an attempt to find a breakthrough.

Notable Strategies: Mexico adopted a more direct attacking style in the second half, playing vertical passes to break Saudi Arabia’s defensive lines. After taking the lead, El Tri managed the game intelligently, controlling possession and picking moments to counter-attack.

Extra Insights: Vega celebrated by holding aloft the jersey of injured teammate Chávez, showing the team’s unity despite missing key players. The crowd’s energy intensified after the opening goal, creating an intimidating atmosphere for Saudi Arabia.

Half-by-Half Scoring Summary

 Mexico National Football Team vs Saudi Arabia National Football Team Lineups Highlight Standout Performances

Star Players and Their Statistics

Team Shooting Statistics

Possession, Passes, and Defensive Actions

Clutch Moments

Alexis Vega’s Breakthrough Goal (49′): It was Vega’s seventh goal for Mexico and ended a 19-game drought with the national team. The forward showed composure to score from the rebound after his initial effort was saved, breaking the deadlock when Mexico needed it most.

Marcel Ruiz Crossbar Strike (46′): Immediately after halftime, Ruiz’s audacious lob beat the goalkeeper but struck the crossbar, setting the tone for Mexico’s second-half dominance.

VAR Decision on Vega’s Goal: Despite an initial offside flag, Video Assistant Referee review correctly overturned the decision, allowing the goal to stand and changing the match’s complexion.

Madu’s Own Goal (81′): The unfortunate own goal sealed Saudi Arabia’s fate, coming from a dangerous cross that highlighted Mexico’s attacking quality through substitutes.

Leadership and Teamwork

Edson Álvarez captained Mexico after dropping from midfield to center-back due to Montes’ suspension. His leadership and defensive composure were crucial in keeping Saudi Arabia at bay. Coach Javier Aguirre handed a debut to Gilberto Mora, who at 16 years, 219 days, became the youngest ever debutant for El Tri, demonstrating trust in youth during a crucial knockout match.

📈 Key Statistics

Final Score

Goals Summary

Discipline Records

Set Pieces

Advanced Metrics

Comparative Analysis

Mexico held Saudi Arabia to just one shot in this match, the fewest in any knockout round match in the Concacaf Gold Cup since at least 2013. This defensive dominance showcased El Tri’s ability to control games at both ends of the pitch. Additionally, Mexico held Saudi Arabia to just 0.02 expected goals, the lowest xG in any Concacaf Gold Cup match since Opta began tracking that data in 2019.

🗣️ Quotes and Reactions

Player Reactions

Alexis Vega (Mexico Forward – Match Winner):

• On breaking his goal drought: “It feels incredible to score again for my country. We’ve been working hard, and this goal is dedicated to Luis Chávez, who couldn’t be with us today due to injury. We wanted to show our support for him.”
• On the team’s performance: “The first half was difficult—they defended really well. But we knew if we stayed patient and kept creating chances, we’d eventually break through. The second half showed our quality.”

Raúl Jiménez (Mexico Captain):

• On the assist: “I saw Alexis making the run, and I knew he had the quality to finish. These are the moments that matter in knockout football. We executed our game plan perfectly in the second half.”
• On advancing: “We’re not satisfied yet. Winning the Gold Cup again is our objective, and we’ll take it one match at a time.”

Javier Aguirre (Mexico Head Coach):

• On Gilberto Mora’s historic debut: “Mora showed incredible maturity for a 16-year-old. We have confidence in our young players, and he proved he belongs at this level. The future is bright for Mexican football.”
• On tactical adjustments: “Without Montes and Chávez, we had to adapt. Edson dropping to center-back gave us stability, and the team responded brilliantly in the second half.”

Hervé Renard (Saudi Arabia Head Coach):

• On the team’s performance: “I’m proud of how the players fought, especially in the first half. We made it difficult for Mexico, one of the tournament favorites. Unfortunately, at this level, small mistakes are punished.”
• On the Gold Cup debut: “Reaching the quarterfinals in our first Gold Cup is an achievement. We’ve learned a lot, and this experience will help us grow as a team.”

Nawaf Al-Aqidi (Saudi Arabia Goalkeeper):

• On facing Mexico’s attack: “Mexico has world-class attacking players. We defended well as a unit, but they eventually found a way through. I’m disappointed we couldn’t keep them out longer.”

Post-Match Analysis Reactions

Social Media Highlights

• Gold Cup Official (@GoldCup): “¡GOOOOL! Alexis Vega breaks the deadlock! Mexico 1-0 Saudi Arabia. El Tri are on their way to the semifinals! 🇲🇽⚽”
• Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmx): “We’re through! 🙌 Goals from Vega and teamwork get us to the semifinals. Next stop: Honduras! 💪🇲🇽 #PorMéxicoTodo”
• Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN): “Our Gold Cup journey ends today, but we’re proud of what we achieved in our debut tournament. Thank you to all our supporters! 🇸🇦💚”

🧠 Match Analysis

What Went Right for Mexico

Offensive Execution:

• Second-Half Transformation: Mexico adjusted their attacking approach after halftime, playing more directly and creating higher-quality chances
• Substitute Impact: Fresh legs from Santiago Giménez and Mateo Chávez provided new attacking dimensions, with Chávez directly involved in the second goal
• Clinical Finishing: When opportunities arose, Mexico capitalized efficiently, particularly Vega’s predatory instinct for the rebound

Defensive Excellence:

• Defensive Dominance: Mexico finished the game without conceding a single shot on goal, showcasing exceptional defensive organization
• Tactical Adaptation: Edson Álvarez’s move to center-back proved successful, maintaining defensive stability despite Montes’ absence

Set-Piece Threat:

• Mexico won seven corner kicks and created several dangerous moments from dead-ball situations, though they didn’t convert directly from set pieces

What Went Wrong for Saudi Arabia

Offensive Struggles:

• Complete Lack of Attacking Threat: Recording just one shot attempt and zero shots on target highlighted Saudi Arabia’s inability to create offensive opportunities
• Inability to Retain Possession: With only 39.7% possession, Saudi Arabia struggled to build attacks and relieve defensive pressure
• Missing Key Players: The absence of Al-Dawsari brothers, who were competing in the Club World Cup, significantly weakened their attacking capabilities

Defensive Breakdown:

• Second-Half Collapse: After defending admirably for 48 minutes, Saudi Arabia’s defensive structure crumbled in the second half
• Poor Defensive Communication: The own goal demonstrated a lack of awareness and communication at a crucial moment
• Physical Fatigue: Saudi Arabia’s defensive intensity decreased as the match progressed, allowing Mexico more space

Controversial Calls and Game-Changing Moments

VAR Overturns Offside Decision (49′): The most significant moment came when Vega’s opening goal was initially flagged for offside. VAR review showed he was onside when Jiménez played the pass, correctly overturning the decision. This call was crucial as it broke the deadlock and shifted momentum entirely in Mexico’s favor.

Yellow Cards Before Halftime: The confrontation between Gallardo and Majrashi that resulted in both players receiving yellow cards added tension to the match. This would later impact Mexico’s semifinal plans, as Gallardo’s second yellow of the tournament ruled him out of the next match.

No Penalty Appeals: Despite physical encounters in both penalty areas, referee Lukasz Szpala maintained a consistent approach, not awarding any penalties to either side.

Recent Form Comparison

Mexico’s Tournament Journey:

• Defeated Dominican Republic 3-2
• Defeated Suriname 2-0
• Drew with Costa Rica 0-0
• Defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0

Saudi Arabia’s Tournament Journey:

• Lost to USA 0-3
• Drew with Trinidad & Tobago 1-1
• Defeated Haiti 1-0
• Lost to Mexico 0-2

Tactical Breakdown

Mexico’s 4-3-3 System: Mexico employed a possession-based approach with their midfield trio providing control and distribution. The wide forwards (Vega and Alvarado) stretched Saudi Arabia’s defense, while Jiménez linked play intelligently. In the second half, Mexico’s direct passing exploited spaces behind Saudi Arabia’s high defensive line.

Saudi Arabia’s Defensive 4-3-3: Saudi Arabia set up defensively, with their three forwards tracking back to form a compact block. Their strategy focused on absorbing pressure and hitting on the counter-attack. However, they lacked the offensive quality to threaten Mexico’s goal when they did win possession.

🏁 Conclusion

Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the Gold Cup quarterfinals demonstrated why El Tri remains the tournament’s dominant force. Despite missing key players like Luis Chávez and César Montes, Javier Aguirre’s side showed championship character by overcoming a stubborn Saudi Arabian defense. Mexico, which also benefited from a late own goal, will now play Honduras in the semifinals on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, as they look to stay on course to retain their title and win a record-extending 10th Concacaf crown.

The match highlighted Mexico’s depth and resilience, with young Gilberto Mora making history as their youngest-ever debutant and Alexis Vega ending his 19-game scoring drought at the perfect moment. Mexico became the first nation to score 200 goals at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, cementing their status as the competition’s most successful team.

For Saudi Arabia, their Gold Cup debut exceeded expectations by reaching the quarterfinals. Despite the defeat, the Green Falcons gained valuable experience competing against CONCACAF’s elite. Their defensive organization, particularly in the first half, demonstrated their potential for future international competitions.

❓ FAQs

Q1: What was the final score of Mexico vs Saudi Arabia?

Mexico defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals. Alexis Vega scored in the 49th minute, and Abdullah Madu added an own goal in the 81st minute to seal Mexico’s victory.

Q2: Who were the starting lineups for Mexico and Saudi Arabia?

Mexico started with a 4-3-3 formation featuring Luis Malagón in goal, a back four of Araujo, Álvarez, Vásquez, and Gallardo, midfielders Alvarado, Lira, and Ruiz, and forwards Mora, Jiménez, and Vega. Saudi Arabia used a 4-3-3 with Al-Aqidi in goal, defenders Majrashi, Al-Amri, Madu, and Abdulhamid, midfielders Al-Hassan, Aljohani, and Al-Obud, and forwards Al-Buraikan, Al-Shehri, and Ali.

Q3: Who scored for Mexico in this match?

Alexis Vega scored Mexico’s opening goal in the 49th minute, ending his 19-game international scoring drought. The second goal came from a Saudi Arabia own goal by defender Abdullah Madu in the 81st minute.

Q4: What were the key statistics from the match?

Mexico dominated with 60.3% possession, 14 shot attempts with 5 on target, and 7 corner kicks. Saudi Arabia managed only 1 shot attempt with 0 on target and 2 corners. Mexico also held Saudi Arabia to just 0.02 expected goals, the lowest in any Gold Cup match since 2019.

Q5: Who made history in this match?

Gilberto Mora became Mexico’s youngest-ever player at 16 years and 257 days old, making his international debut in this quarterfinal. Additionally, Mexico became the first team to score 200 goals in CONCACAF Gold Cup history with their goals in this match.

Q6: What’s next for both teams?

Mexico advanced to the semifinals where they will face Honduras on July 2, 2025, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Saudi Arabia’s debut Gold Cup campaign concluded with this quarterfinal exit, but they gained valuable international experience for future tournaments.

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