The mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches have a storied rivalry that has thrilled soccer fans across North and Central America for decades. Known for their competitive matches, dramatic moments, and passionate fan bases, these two teams have faced off numerous times in international competitions, including the CONCACAF Gold Cup, World Cup qualifiers, and friendly matches. This article dives into the history, key matches, standout players, and what makes this matchup so special. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to soccer, let’s explore the exciting world of Mexico vs. Costa Rica matches.
A mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches Rivalry Rooted in CONCACAF History
The mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches rivalry is one of the most significant in the CONCACAF region, which includes North, Central America, and the Caribbean. Mexico, often referred to as “El Tri” due to their red, white, and green flag, is a powerhouse in the region, boasting a record 12 CONCACAF Gold Cup titles. Costa Rica, known as “Los Ticos,” is a respected underdog, consistently proving they can compete with the best, as evidenced by their impressive run to the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals.
These two teams have met 58 times in official matches, with Mexico holding a dominant record of 32 wins, 20 draws, and just 6 losses to Costa Rica. Despite Mexico’s historical edge, Costa Rica has pulled off some memorable upsets, making every encounter unpredictable and exciting. Their matches are often tight, low-scoring affairs, with an average of 2.14 goals per game, and both teams scoring in 43% of their meetings.
Key Historical Matches
The Aztecazo: Costa Rica’s Historic Win in 2001
One of the most iconic moments in this rivalry came on June 16, 2001, during a World Cup qualifier at Mexico’s Estadio Azteca. Known as the “Aztecazo,” Costa Rica stunned Mexico with a 2-1 victory, marking the first time a CONCACAF team defeated Mexico at home in a competitive match. Goals from Rolando Fonseca and Hernan Medford secured the win for Costa Rica, while Mauricio Solis’ defensive work helped hold off Mexico’s attack. This match remains a source of pride for Costa Rican fans and a rare blemish on Mexico’s home record.
2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals
In the 2015 Gold Cup quarterfinals, Mexico and Costa Rica played a tense match that ended in a 0-0 draw after regular time. The game went to extra time, where Andres Guardado scored a controversial penalty in the 124th minute, giving Mexico a 1-0 victory. The call sparked debate, with Costa Rican fans arguing it was a questionable decision. This match highlighted the intensity of the rivalry, as both teams fought fiercely for a spot in the semifinals.
2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals
Another dramatic encounter occurred in the 2019 Gold Cup quarterfinals. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Raul Jimenez scoring for Mexico and Bryan Ruiz equalizing for Costa Rica. The game went to a penalty shootout, where Mexico prevailed 5-4, thanks to goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa’s crucial save. This victory helped Mexico advance en route to winning the 2019 Gold Cup title, but it underscored Costa Rica’s ability to push Mexico to the limit.
2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage
The most recent notable clash was on June 23, 2025, in the CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams creating chances but failing to break the deadlock. Mexico’s Santiago Gimenez came close with a spectacular scissor kick, but Costa Rica’s defense, led by Keylor Navas, held firm. This result allowed Mexico to top Group A and advance to face Saudi Arabia, while Costa Rica moved on to play the United States. The match was a testament to the competitive balance between these teams in recent years.
Why This mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches Rivalry Matters
The mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches rivalry is more than just a series of soccer matches; it’s a clash of cultures, pride, and regional dominance. Mexico, with its larger population and soccer infrastructure, is often seen as the favorite, but Costa Rica’s resilience and tactical discipline make them a formidable opponent. The rivalry is particularly intense in CONCACAF competitions, where both teams vie for supremacy and a chance to represent the region on the global stage.
For Mexico, beating Costa Rica is about maintaining their status as CONCACAF’s top team. For Costa Rica, it’s about proving they can compete with and even defeat the giants. This dynamic creates an electric atmosphere, whether the game is played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Estadio Nacional in San Jose, or a neutral venue like AT&T Stadium in Texas.
Standout Players in the mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches Rivalry
Mexico’s Key Figures
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Andres Guardado: The veteran midfielder, often called “El Principito,” has been a leader for Mexico, scoring crucial goals against Costa Rica, including in the 2015 Gold Cup quarterfinals. With over 149 caps, his experience has been vital in high-stakes matches.
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Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez: Mexico’s all-time leading scorer, Chicharito’s clinical finishing has troubled Costa Rica’s defense in multiple encounters. His ability to score in tight games makes him a constant threat.
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Guillermo Ochoa: Known for his heroics in goal, Ochoa’s saves, especially in penalty shootouts, have been decisive in matches like the 2019 Gold Cup quarterfinals.
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Santiago Gimenez: A rising star, Gimenez’s flair and goal-scoring ability were on display in the 2025 Gold Cup, nearly breaking the deadlock against Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s Key Figures
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Keylor Navas: The former Real Madrid goalkeeper is a national hero, known for his incredible shot-stopping ability. His performances, like in the 2025 Gold Cup, have kept Costa Rica competitive against Mexico.
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Joel Campbell: The forward’s work rate and versatility make him a key player, as seen in his assist-heavy performance in the 2023 Gold Cup group stage.
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Celso Borges: With experience in multiple Gold Cup tournaments, Borges brings leadership and composure to Costa Rica’s midfield, often tasked with containing Mexico’s attacking threats.
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Bryan Ruiz: A former captain, Ruiz’s goal in the 2019 Gold Cup quarterfinals showed his ability to deliver in big moments against Mexico.
Tactical Breakdown: How They Match Up
Mexico typically employs an attacking, possession-based style, relying on quick wingers and creative midfielders to break down defenses. Players like Hirving Lozano and Carlos Vela have historically exploited Costa Rica’s backline with their pace and dribbling. Mexico’s home games at Estadio Azteca, with its high altitude, often give them a physical edge.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, favors a disciplined, counter-attacking approach. Their 4-2-3-1 formation, seen in recent matches, allows them to absorb pressure and hit on the break, with players like Joel Campbell leading the charge. Defensively, veterans like Kendall Waston and Francisco Calvo provide aerial strength, crucial against Mexico’s set-piece threats.
Recent matches have been low-scoring, with the “Under 2.5 goals” bet hitting in most competitive games since 2015. This reflects both teams’ defensive solidity and the high stakes of their encounters, where neither side wants to make a costly mistake.
Memorable Moments and Controversies
The Mexico-Costa Rica rivalry has produced its share of dramatic moments and controversies. The 2015 Gold Cup quarterfinal penalty call in favor of Mexico remains a sore point for Costa Rican fans, who felt it robbed them of a fair chance. Similarly, Mexico fans point to the 2001 Aztecazo as a rare moment of vulnerability at home, fueling their desire for revenge in subsequent matches.
Another memorable moment came in the 2011 Gold Cup group stage, where Mexico dominated with a 4-1 victory, thanks to goals from Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado (twice), and Pablo Barrera. Costa Rica’s lone goal by Marco Urena was a small consolation in a match that showcased Mexico’s attacking prowess.
The Fans: A Passionate Backdrop
Both Mexico and Costa Rica boast passionate fan bases that elevate the atmosphere of their matches. Mexican fans, known for their vibrant chants and sea of green jerseys, create an intimidating environment at Estadio Azteca, where over 80,000 spectators often pack the stands. Costa Rican fans, though fewer in number, are equally vocal, filling Estadio Nacional with red and blue and traveling in droves to support Los Ticos abroad.
Neutral venues, like AT&T Stadium in Texas or Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, often feel like home games for Mexico due to their large diaspora in the United States. However, Costa Rican fans bring their own energy, creating a lively, competitive atmosphere that mirrors the action on the pitch.
Recent Trends and Statistics
According to recent data, Mexico has won 4 of the last 7 meetings, with 3 ending in draws and Costa Rica failing to secure a victory since the 2001 Aztecazo in competitive play. Mexico averages 1.5 goals per game against Costa Rica, while Los Ticos manage 0.5 goals per match. In the last five encounters, Mexico has won three, with an 80% win probability in recent analyses.
The 2025 Gold Cup match highlighted both teams’ strengths: Mexico’s attacking intent and Costa Rica’s defensive resilience. Corner kicks and set pieces have been critical, with Mexico averaging more corners due to their possession-based style, while Costa Rica excels at defending them.
What’s Next for the mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches Rivalry?
As both teams prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, their rivalry will take on added significance. World Cup qualifiers and future CONCACAF tournaments will provide more opportunities for epic clashes. Mexico, under new management since Gerardo Martino’s departure in 2022, is rebuilding with young talents like Santiago Gimenez, while Costa Rica relies on veterans like Keylor Navas and emerging stars like Josimar Alcocer.
Fans can expect more tight, competitive matches, with Mexico aiming to maintain their dominance and Costa Rica looking to replicate the magic of the Aztecazo. The 2026 World Cup could see both teams make deep runs, given their talent and experience, making their rivalry a key storyline in the lead-up.
How to Watch mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches
Fans eager to catch the next Mexico vs. Costa Rica showdown can tune in through various platforms. In the United States, CONCACAF Gold Cup and World Cup qualifier matches are often broadcast on ESPN, FOX Sports, or Univision. Streaming services like ESPN+, FuboTV, and Paramount+ also offer live coverage. In Mexico, Televisa and TV Azteca are go-to channels, while in Costa Rica, Teletica and Repretel provide extensive soccer coverage.
For live updates, apps like Sofascore and Flashscore offer real-time scores, stats, and highlights. Ticketmaster sells tickets for matches in the U.S., such as the upcoming MexTour game against Colombia on October 11, 2025, at AT&T Stadium.
Why This mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches Rivalry Captivates Fans
The mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches rivalry captivates because it blends history, skill, and passion. Every match feels like a battle for bragging rights in CONCACAF, with Mexico’s dominance challenged by Costa Rica’s grit. Whether it’s a penalty shootout, a controversial call, or a stunning upset, these games deliver drama that keeps fans coming back for more.
For young fans, the rivalry is a chance to see stars like Santiago Gimenez and Keylor Navas in action. For older fans, it’s a continuation of a tradition that spans generations. No matter your age or soccer knowledge, Mexico vs. Costa Rica matches are a must-watch, filled with heart-pounding moments and unforgettable stories.
Conclusion
The mexico national football team vs costa rica national football team matches rivalry is a cornerstone of CONCACAF soccer, defined by competitive matches, iconic moments, and passionate fans. From the Aztecazo to penalty shootouts, these games have produced memories that resonate with supporters on both sides. As both teams gear up for future challenges, including the 2026 World Cup, their rivalry will continue to thrill and inspire. So, grab your jersey, cheer for your team, and get ready for the next chapter in this epic soccer saga!
