Mexico U-20 beats Antigua and Barbuda 3-0 in CONCACAF opener
The Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla was prepared for the 2026 CONCACAF U‑20 Championship, with security forces and local officials overseeing the venue ahead of the tournament that runs from 24 July to 9 August.
On opening day Mexico’s U‑20 side defeated Antigua and Barbuda 3‑0 in front of about 3,700 spectators. Hugo Camberos opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, Francisco Valenzuela added the second after a Camberos assist, and Santiago Sandoval sealed the win in first‑half stoppage time. The victory gave Mexico three points and a temporary lead in Group B.
The competition serves as the regional qualifier for the 2027 FIFA U‑20 World Cup and the sole CONCACAF berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic football tournament. Twelve nations, including hosts Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Caribbean representatives, will play their group matches at the Puebla venues before moving to the quarter‑finals in Mexico City.
Antigua and Barbuda’s campaign is backed by a slate of local corporate partners providing equipment such as high‑altitude simulation masks. The Mexican government’s sports ministry also invited families from disadvantaged neighborhoods to attend the match, highlighting the event’s social‑inclusion component.