Vertex Cup Kicks Off With Drama in London

The 2026 Vertex Cup in London opened with an action-packed first matchday, as Argentina came from behind to draw Mexico 2-2 before winning on penalties, while Tanzania closed the day with a 1-0 victory over China. With all four nations preparing for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, the opening two games provided an early glimpse of the competition expected in November.

Argentina had to overcome a difficult start against Mexico, falling two goals behind before producing a dramatic second-half comeback.

Mexico appeared to have control of the match after Fernando Ruiz scored twice in the second half, finding the net in the 78th and 87th minutes. The forward’s brace put Mexico 2-1 ahead after Argentina had opened the scoring through Galo Escobar in the 50th minute.

But Diego Placente’s side continued pushing until the final whistle. Mateo Santa María, who plays for Juventus, delivered the equalizer in the 90th minute, sending the game directly to a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.

Argentina then prevailed 4-3 from the spot, with goalkeeper Valentín Reigia emerging as one of the decisive figures after making four saves during the shootout. The result earned Argentina two points, while Mexico took one point from the match. 

The second and final match of the opening day saw Tanzania face China, with the Serengeti Boys producing the only regulation-time victory of the day.

After a tightly contested match, Tanzania found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute through Luqman Ally. His late goal was enough to secure a 1-0 victory and give Tanzania all three points. 

The result immediately put Tanzania at the top of the Vertex Cup standings with three points. China, meanwhile, finished the opening matchday in fourth place without a point.

The victory also continues an important period for Tanzania’s U-17 generation. The Serengeti Boys qualified for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup after reaching the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations final, securing their place among the teams heading to Qatar.

The second matchday will bring another important test for the four World Cup-bound teams. Mexico will face China before Tanzania meets Argentina, setting up a direct battle between the top two teams in the early standings.

For Argentina, the next match represents an opportunity to move into first place, while Tanzania will look to maintain its perfect start. Mexico will be searching for its first victory, and China will try to respond after opening the competition without a point.

With three matchdays and every team facing each other once, the Vertex Cup has already delivered plenty of drama. Argentina’s comeback and penalty victory gave the tournament an exciting opening, while Tanzania’s late win over China ensured the first day ended with a clear leader.