Mexico's U-17 women's team advanced to the semifinals of the World Cup in Morocco after defeating Italy 5-4 on penalties in a 0-0 draw. Goalkeeper Valentina Murrieta was the heroine, saving three penalties. They will face the Netherlands on November 5.
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Mexico faced Italy in the quarterfinals of the U-17 Women's World Cup. The match ended 0-0, but Mexico won 5-4 on penalties thanks to Valentina Murrieta's stellar performance, who saved two penalties during the game—from Rachele Giudici and Giulia Galli—and one more in the shootout.
Mexico started with initiative, but a goal disallowed by VAR in the 15th minute led to a penalty for Italy, which Murrieta stopped. Another similar penalty in the first half was also saved by the goalkeeper. In the second half, both teams missed clear chances; Italy had an opportunity in the 90th minute and a goal disallowed for offside in added time.
Coached by Miguel Gamero, the Mexicans reached the quarterfinals after a tough start: they lost 2-0 to North Korea but beat the Netherlands and Cameroon to advance as group runners-up. In the round of 16, they defeated Paraguay 1-0 with a header from Berenice Ibarra.
Italy, with a potent attack scoring 14 goals in the tournament, had beaten Costa Rica (3-0), Morocco (3-1), Brazil (4-3), and Nigeria (4-0). This is only their second U-17 Women's World Cup.
In the semifinals, Mexico will play the Netherlands—who eliminated France on penalties after a 2-2 draw—on Wednesday, November 5, at 13:00 (central Mexico time), broadcast on ViX. The team aims to repeat the 2018 final achievement.
