The Mexican national team has achieved a remarkable feat by advancing to the Round of 32 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, setting the stage for a thrilling match against historic rival Argentina on Friday, November 14. This encounter is significant due to the intense rivalry that exists between the two nations across all age groups.
Following the confirmation of the 32 qualified teams, FIFA has announced the match schedule, with the Argentina-Mexico duel slated for 9:45 a.m. Eastern Time, 8:45 a.m. in Mexico City, and 11:45 a.m. in Argentina. The Round of 32 will feature 16 matches, taking place over two days, and the clash between Mexico, coached by Carlos Cariño, and Argentina, led by Diego Placente, is one of the highlights.
Mexico’s journey to the Round of 32 was fraught with uncertainty. Finishing third in Group F with three points and a -2 goal differential, they needed to monitor results from other groups to determine their advancement. Initially, their prospects appeared grim, especially as results from Groups K, J, and I unfolded, leading many fans to prematurely label Mexico as eliminated. However, the pivotal match between Mali and Saudi Arabia in Group L proved to be a twist of fate. Mali’s 2-0 victory secured a tie between Mexico and Saudi Arabia across several metrics. Ultimately, Fair Play points favored Mexico, thanks to Saudi Arabia’s two red cards in their earlier match against Austria.
As the two nations prepare to meet, fans remember their fierce rivalry that has produced many heated encounters. Most recently, Argentina faced Mexico in a group-stage match during the 2022 World Cup, where Argentina emerged victorious, reigniting their campaign after an initial setback against Saudi Arabia. Last month, the teams met again at the U-20 World Cup in Chile, with Argentina once again claiming a 2-0 win amidst a backdrop of charged pre-match exchanges.
Historically, Argentina has dominated their matchups, winning eight of the 11 meetings across all World Cups. However, Mexico boasts a proud record in the U-17 category, having won two world titles in 2005 and 2011. As the match approaches, both teams will be looking to prove themselves once more, continuing the intense competitive spirit that characterizes their encounters.
This matchup not only represents an opportunity for Mexico to assert itself against a formidable adversary but also signals a continuation of a rich tradition of competition that fuels national pride and inspires young athletes on both sides.