Mexico's U-17 team advanced to the round of 16 at the 2025 Qatar World Cup by defeating Argentina 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. Goalkeeper Santiago López was pivotal, saving one penalty and scoring the decisive one. They will face Portugal on November 18.
The round of 32 match between Mexico and Argentina at the 2025 Qatar U-17 World Cup was highly intense. Argentina took the lead in the 9th minute with a goal from Ramiro Tulian, but Luis Gamboa replied with a brace to put Mexico ahead. However, an error by goalkeeper Santiago López in the 87th minute allowed Fernando Closter to tie it 2-2, forcing a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, López redeemed his mistake by saving Argentina's first penalty, giving hope to the Tri. For Mexico's fifth penalty, the coach chose López, who scored with a left-footed shot, securing the 5-4 win and advancement to the round of 16. López, 17 years old from Aguascalientes, plays for Toluca since 2025, where he has played 26 matches in U-17 and U-19 categories. He stands 1.83 m tall and developed in Necaxa's youth academy.
Toluca congratulated its player: “The game of his life. Saves a penalty. Advances Mexico to the Round of 16. TKM, Santi López”, and called him “the hero of the match”.
This World Cup is the first with 48 teams, expanding the format similar to 2026. Mexico, coached by Raúl Chabrand, will face Portugal on November 18 at 07:00 (central Mexico time) in Doha's Aspire Zone. Europe contributed seven teams to the round of 16, Africa four, Asia three, and the Americas only Mexico and Brazil.