Mexico’s 2025 was the definition of up and down. With some highs (winning their first Nations League) and lows (4-0 spanking versus Colombia). Before we turn the page to a World Cup year, lets recap 2025.
For the purposes of the stats in this article, I am starting “2025” in November 2024 when the CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals started and not including the club friendlies versus River Plate/Internacional. With that being said, lets dive into the numbers
Nations League
- 3 Wins (Honduras, Canada, Panama)
- 1 Loss (Honduras)
- +5 GD
Raul basically put Mexico on his back and willed them to their first Nations League title. He had 5 goals and 1 assist in 4 games. SofaScore gave Raul an 8.20 rating for the tournament and CONCACAF named him as the MVP of the tournament.
Gold Cup
- 5 Wins ( DR, Suriname, Saudi, Honduras, USA)
- 1 Draw (Costa Rica)
- +7 GD
For me, Alexis Vega was the standout player for Mexico and I know Edson won the Golden Ball. Vega led the tourney in Dribbles, key passes, #2 in tackles, and was the 3rd highest rated player (per SofaSore). Breakout player was Gilberto Mora. The 16yr old made his Mexico debut in the quarterfinals and played like he was a World Cup veteran.
International Friendlies
- 1 Win (Turkey)
- 4 Draws (Japan, SK, Ecuador, Uruguay)
- 3 Losses (Colombia, Paraguay, Switzerland)
- -6 GD
It was not a great time for Mexico in their friendlies in 2025 but they at least challenged themselves by playing non-CONCACAF opponents. These games brought the team back down to Earth after winning 2 titles in the first half of 2025. Adjustments were made throughout the year and this bodes well for the program moving forward. Vasco isn’t married to 1 way of playing and knows he doesn’t have the players to impose their style on non-CONCACAF opponents. He will be pragmatic with his tactics and will not bow down to outside pressure from pundits/fans saying Mexico needs to play “pretty”. He will gladly take a 1-0 win on a set piece any day.
Overall
- 9 Wins
- 5 Draws
- 4 Losses
- +6 GD
It was a year where Mexico came to terms with their player pool. For all the discourse about Vasco Aguirre and his pragmatic tactics, fans (and even some pundits) came to the realization that this team just isn’t good enough. It can still grind out results but they won’t be pretty. If Mexico will make any noise in 2026, it will require everyone to buy into Vasco’s dirty, muck it out game plans. The offensive talent just isn’t there. Mexico’s attack will be held together by a 35yr old striker next summer and a 17yr old prodigy. There is not much in between them. El Tri is not going to play anyone off the field at the World Cup but have enough experience to make it out of the group and have the benefit of playing at home.
Statistical Tidbits from 2025.
- Out of the 26 players with the most minutes for Mexico, only Raul Jimenez will start 2026 with an age above 31.
- Cesar Montes led everyone with 1,242 minutes played, he even chipped in with 3 goals. Only Raul had more goals. Santiago Gimenez had 2 goals in his 588 minutes.
- Luis Angel Malagon saw the bulk of keeper minutes (72%) with Tala Rangel (22%) and Ochoa (6%) far behind. Carlos Acevedo and Carlos Moreno made the bench but did not see any minutes.
- The difference in age between Mexico’s oldest player (Guillermo Ochoa) and youngest (Gilberto Mora) is 23 years. I have a feeling both will be at the World Cup in 2026.
- Alexis Vega was #2 in Goal Contributions with 4 and led Mexico with 3 assists.
- 44 players saw the field for El Tri in senior matches.
Sources: Transfermarkt, SofaScore, FBRef. Spreadsheet link