Overview
- After a 2-2 draw in Doha, Mexico won the shootout 5-4, with goalkeeper Santiago López saving Argentina’s first kick and converting the clincher.
- Argentina led through Ramiro Tulián, Mexico turned it around with a Luis Gamboa brace, and Fernando Closter forced penalties with a late header.
- Mexico advances to face Portugal in the next round after the Europeans eliminated Belgium.
- Separately, CONMEBOL reaffirmed Lima as the 2025 Copa Libertadores final venue for Palmeiras vs. Flamengo, noting over 80% of tickets sold and foreign offers for future finals not yet under serious discussion.
- CONMEBOL’s Alejandro Domínguez floated a 64-team format for the 2030 World Cup, as regional politics continue with Argentina’s president unconfirmed for the December Mercosur summit and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno set to lead the delegation if needed.