Two heartbreaks, one hope: Mexico’s rough night might be the beginning of something bigger

Saturday was supposed to be a showcase of Mexican football’s depth, but it turned into a night fans will want to forget. Both the senior national team and the U-20 squad fell short on the international stage, one dismantled, the other eliminated.

In Texas, the senior team suffered a 4–0 defeat to Colombia, while over in Chile, Mexico’s promising U-20s saw their World Cup run end in the quarter-finals with a 2–0 loss to Argentina.

Senior team collapse: Colombia run riot

Short handed and struggling for rhythm, Javier Aguirre’s side never found a way to contain a relentless Colombian attack. Missing key players like Edson Álvarez, Raúl Jiménez, and Rodrigo Huescas (who’s out long-term with an ACL injury), El Tri looked disjointed from the start.

James Rodríguez dictated play, delivering two early assists, one for Jhon Lucumí and another for Luis Díaz, whose chipped finish made it 2–0. Jefferson Lerma added a third with a ruthless volley before Johan Carbonero sealed the rout late on.

Mexico’s defense, which has conceded seven goals in two matches, looked overwhelmed against Colombia’s fluid movement and intensity. The defeat extends a worrying trend: El Tri have won only two of their last six friendlies heading into next summer’s World Cup.

U-20 heartbreak: Argentina ends Mexico’s magical run

Over in Valparaíso, Chile, the U-20 squad’s inspiring journey came to an end, but not without leaving an impression. Managed by Eduardo Arce, Mexico had become one of the surprises of the tournament, topping a group that included Spain, Brazil, and Morocco before thrashing the hosts 4–1 in the Round of 16.

Against Argentina, though, the dream unraveled quickly. Maher Carrizo capitalized on a rebound inside the first ten minutes, and Mateo Silvetti doubled the lead early in the second half. Despite efforts from Gilberto Mora, Elías Montiel, and Obed Vargas, Mexico couldn’t break through.

Still, this generation, with several players already on European clubs’ radar, earned respect for their style and maturity. Mora, at just 16 years old, finished the tournament with three goals and two assists, establishing himself as one of the brightest prospects in CONCACAF.

Two teams, two lessons

The senior squad’s heavy loss to Colombia reignites concerns about Mexico’s ability to compete with top South American sides, while the youth team’s exit offers a glimmer of optimism, proof that the next wave is coming fast.

For now, Aguirre’s team will turn their attention to a friendly against Ecuador, looking for a reset before the final stretch of World Cup preparations. The U-20s, meanwhile, return home with pride and the promise of a new generation ready to challenge for senior spots in 2026.