Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua Qualify for Women’s U-20 Championship

The 2025 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Qualifiers witnessed thrilling matches and decisive victories, culminating in Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica securing their spots in the 2025 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship. The penultimate matchday saw these teams maintain their dominance in their respective groups, solidifying their advancement and continuing their pursuit of a coveted berth in the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup. The high-stakes competition highlighted the burgeoning talent and intense rivalry within the Concacaf region.

Group B featured a goal-fest between Honduras and the U.S. Virgin Islands, ending in a resounding 7-0 victory for Honduras. Allanys Santos led the charge with a hat-trick, showcasing her prowess with two stunning strikes from outside the box. Yensi Ferrera, Anyeli Rodriguez (with a brace), and Karla Gomez also contributed to the rout, ensuring a dominant finish for Las Catrachas. Meanwhile, a dramatic 2-2 draw between Puerto Rico and El Salvador kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Ashley McMahon and Analisse Cheema gave Puerto Rico a two-goal lead, but El Salvador’s Angie Alvarenga and Sarina Villa rallied their team with late goals, ensuring a share of the points. Despite the draw, Puerto Rico topped Group B due to a superior goal difference, securing their place in the Championship.

In Group D, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines achieved a historic 1-0 victory against Saint Kitts and Nevis, courtesy of a last-gasp goal by Stephanie Hunte. This crucial win snapped a 15-match winless streak for the team, marking a significant milestone in their U-20 Qualifiers journey. The other Group D match saw hosts Nicaragua battling to a 1-1 draw against Jamaica. Andrene Smith’s goal put the Reggae Girlz in the lead, but Adriana Munguia’s late equalizer salvaged a point for Nicaragua. This draw, combined with their superior goal difference, propelled Nicaragua to the top of Group D, securing their ticket to the Championship.

Group F witnessed Costa Rica’s impressive 3-0 victory over Guatemala, further cementing their dominance. Alondra Gonzalez, Stacy Thomas, and Sheika Scott each found the back of the net, showcasing Costa Rica’s attacking prowess. This win marked their third consecutive victory in the qualifiers, solidifying their position as group leaders and guaranteeing their spot in the Championship. In the other Group F match, Aruba secured their first victory of the tournament with a 1-0 win against the Cayman Islands, thanks to Zyana Rogers’ third goal of the qualifiers.

The qualifiers not only showcased thrilling football but also highlighted the development of women’s football within the Concacaf region. The emergence of young talents, the competitive spirit displayed by each team, and the dramatic finishes underscored the growing strength and depth of women’s football in the region. The journey to the 2025 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship has begun, and these qualifying matches have set the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.

The performances of teams like Honduras, displaying an impressive attacking display, and the resilience of teams like El Salvador, fighting back from a two-goal deficit, demonstrate the competitive landscape of the qualifiers. The dramatic late goals, crucial draws, and decisive victories all played a pivotal role in shaping the final standings. The success of these teams in securing their places in the Championship not only reflects their individual talent but also highlights the collective growth and development of women’s football in their respective nations. The stage is now set for the 2025 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship, where these qualified teams will continue their pursuit of glory and the dream of representing their countries on the global stage at the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup.