Canada wins Concacaf Women's U-20 Championship in dramatic final vs. Mexico
The Canadian women's U-20 national team are Concacaf Champions following a 3-2 extra time victory over Mexico in the 2025 final.
It was Canada's first title since 2008, and their third ever. Only the United States, as seven-time champions, have won more.
Canada defeated the US in the semi-final 1-0 on a goal from Léa Larouche.
The scintillating final saw Canada take the lead in the 50th minute through Sienna Gibson, before Mexico replied from the penalty spot in the 61st minute.
Canada had a great chance to win it in the 90th minute as Annabelle Chukwu broke in behind, but a charging Mexican goalkeeper Mariángela Medina Martínez, brought her down outside the box. After a VAR review, it was determined that Martínez was the last player back, and she was sent off.
Up a player in extra time, Canada took advantage as a fortuitous bounce off Adriana Kali Bianchin in the 96th minute on a corner kick gave Canada a 2-1 lead. Montserrat Saldivar, who had scored the first Mexican goal, then replied with her second just two minutes later. It was Saldivar's tournament-leading eighth goal of the competition.
In the 119th minute, again Chukwu had a fantastic opportunity to win the game as Canada were awarded a penalty on a handball in the box. But Mexican backup goalkeeper Camila Vázquez Haro guessed correctly and stopped the Canadian striker's penalty attempt.
Chukwu, however, would not be denied, in the second minute of second-half extra time stoppage time, she cut down the left side of the box, broke down the byline and chipped the goalkeeper for a stunning match, and championship, winner.
Chukwu, the all-time record goalscorer for the Canadian youth national teams, added four more at this competition and is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young players in the country.
Canada had already qualified for the 2026 FIFA Women's U-20 World Cup by finishing second in their group. That tournament will be hosted in Poland in September 2026.
