Mexico City, February 19, 2025. The Mexican Under-17 National Team secured its spot in the 2025 Qatar World Cup after drawing 2-2 against Nicaragua in the Concacaf Under-17 Championship.
With this result, the team led by Raúl Chabrand keeps the streak of consecutive participations in the top youth competition.
A challenging match, but with a happy ending
The youth Tri had to come back from a deficit at the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala. Despite being behind on the scoreboard, the Mexicans managed to equalize with goals from José Luis Madrigal and Leonardo Manrique. The defense also played a key role in preventing Nicaragua from extending its lead in the first half.
Mexico, a powerhouse in youth categories
With this qualification, Mexico adds 15 consecutive participations in Under-17 World Cups, reaffirming its dominance in the region. The Tri has been a protagonist in this category, achieving titles in 2005 and 2011, as well as reaching the final in 2013 and 2019. This success is the result of the constant work of the Liga MX clubs, which have strengthened the development of young talents.
Mexico's path in the Pre-World Cup
During its participation in the Concacaf tournament, the Tri had a solid group stage, defeating Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama. In the round of 16, it thrashed El Salvador, and in the quarterfinals, it sealed its ticket to the World Cup with the draw against Nicaragua. These results reflect the team's high level and its preparation for international competition.
Upcoming challenges: Semifinals and the World Cup
Now, the Under-17 Tri will focus on the regional tournament semifinals, where it will seek its ninth Concacaf title. Subsequently, the team will begin its preparation for the 2025 Qatar World Cup, with a series of international friendlies and intensive training at the FMF's High-Performance Center.
Expectation ahead of the World Cup draw
Mexico will have to wait for the FIFA draw to know its opponents in the group stage. Due to its history in the competition, the Tri could be a top seed. The team's goal is to improve its performance and reach a final again, as in 2005 and 2011.
Raúl Chabrand highlights the team's effort
Coach Raúl Chabrand expressed satisfaction with the qualification and praised the character of his players.
"We knew it would be a difficult match, but the boys showed quality and commitment to achieve the goal," he stated in a press conference.
Chabrand insisted that the team must continue working with discipline to reach its best version for the World Cup.
