Cristóbal Alfaro scored twice as Mexico retained their Concacaf Under-20 title with a 2-0 victory over the United States in the final at the Azteca on Sunday.

The victory booked Mexico’s place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics – the US have already qualified as hosts – but the match was overshadowed by a controversial red card. The US were reduced to 10 men just before half-time when Chris Applewhite received a red card after a VAR review for a challenge on Hugo Camberos, during which the US captain appeared to make minimal contact with his opponent.

Mexico were 1-0 up at that point after Alfaro had opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a powerful, close-range header from a set piece. The defender sealed the victory with his second goal, another header, in the 69th minute.

“It’s a dream come true. Although I scored, this is a collective achievement. I thank the fans for their unconditional support,” Alfaro said in a post-match interview. “It was an incredible experience to win at home.”

Mexico finished the tournament unbeaten and only conceded one goal.

Both teams were already assured of spots in next year’s Under-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan by reaching the semi-finals of the Concacaf championship.