When it comes to football in the CONCACAF region, one of the most talked-about rivalries is Mexico National Football Team vs Costa Rica National Football Team Stats. It’s not just about the goals or wins—it’s about pride, passion, and decades of clashes that shaped Central American football. Fans from both nations circle these matches on the calendar every time they’re announced.
Over the years, these two teams have faced each other over 55 times, and the stats say a lot. Mexico has won the majority of these matches, with 30+ wins, while Costa Rica has managed just a few, with some games ending in draws. But it’s not just about wins—it’s about how close the games are, how much is at stake, and how fans live every moment.
Table of Contents
Historical Trends & Rivalry Highlights
This rivalry goes way back. In the early years, Costa Rica had their moments, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. But as time passed, Mexico began to dominate. One of the most famous games was in 2001, known as “El Aztecazo,” when Costa Rica shocked everyone by beating Mexico 2-1 at the legendary Estadio Azteca. That moment still lives in the hearts of Tico fans.
Since then, Mexico has stayed strong. From the 2010s to today, they’ve consistently outplayed Costa Rica in major tournaments like the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers. But every game brings something new, and Costa Rica never backs down, especially when Keylor Navas is in goal and their midfield is sharp.
Recent Form & Last Matches
In recent years, the gap between the teams has narrowed a little—but not by much. In their last 7 meetings, Mexico has won 4 times, and the other 3 ended in draws. Costa Rica hasn’t managed a win in this stretch, but they’ve pushed Mexico to the limit with close scores and even penalty shootouts.
For example, during the 2025 Gold Cup, the match ended in a 0-0 draw, but it wasn’t boring. Costa Rica played with grit, defending hard while Mexico controlled the ball and created more chances. That draw helped Mexico top their group, but it showed Costa Rica still has the fight in them.
Stats by Competition (with table)
Let’s break down how Mexico National Football Team vs Costa Rica National Football Team Stats performed against each other in different competitions. Some games were friendlies, while others carried huge weight—like qualifiers or Gold Cup knockouts.
| Competition | Matches | Mexico Wins | Costa Rica Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifiers | 24 | 12 | 4 | 8 |
| Gold Cup (Main + QFs) | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Friendlies | 15 | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| Other Tournaments | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 55 | 30+ | 6-7 | 15+ |
So even though Costa Rica has only a few wins, they’ve drawn many games and kept it close. And fans still remember that one 2001 Aztecazo win like it was yesterday.
Scoring Records & Goals Breakdown (with table)
One thing that separates these teams over time is goals scored. Mexico has more attacking strength historically, while Costa Rica has relied on strong goalkeeping and defense.
| Team | Total Goals Scored | Average Goals/Game | Top Scorer vs Rival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico 🇲🇽 | 70+ | ~1.4 | Andrés Guardado (3) |
| Costa Rica 🇨🇷 | 25+ | ~0.5 | Paulo Wanchope (2) |
Mexico usually scores 2 or more goals per win, while Costa Rica often scores 1 or none. But again, football isn’t only numbers—it’s moments, like when Navas blocks five shots in a row or Lozano scores in the 90th minute.
Player Highlights & Keeper Battles
Every rivalry has its iconic faces. When it comes to the Mexico national football team vs Costa Rica national football team stats, there are players who stood out and made the matches unforgettable. For Mexico, names like Andrés Guardado, Jared Borgetti, and Héctor Herrera often appear in the scoresheets and midfield control stats. Guardado, in particular, has scored 3 goals against Costa Rica in Gold Cup games and is known for his leadership on the pitch. Meanwhile, young stars like Hirving Lozano have brought fresh energy and pace to Mexico’s attack, especially in recent meetings.
Costa Rica also has their heroes. Paulo Wanchope is still remembered for his creative style and goals during the 2000s. But no one defines Costa Rica’s modern football like Keylor Navas. The Real Madrid and PSG legend has been a wall against Mexico. He’s played 11 times against El Tri, with 1 win, 2 draws, and 8 losses, but his individual performances have saved his team from bigger defeats. In the 2013 win, he was unbeatable. Even in games they lost, Navas often had double-digit saves, frustrating Mexico’s front line.
Tactical Views & Fan Emotions
Let’s talk tactics. Mexico usually dominates possession. They push the pace, pass quickly, and attack from the wings. Their style under most managers is structured but aggressive. In contrast, Costa Rica plays smart. They defend in numbers, wait for a mistake, then counterattack with speed. This contrast makes every game exciting: one team pushes, the other absorbs and strikes back when you least expect it.
Fans live these games like finals. For Mexicans, beating Costa Rica is expected—but when the game is tight, nerves show. For Ticos, playing Mexico is a chance to prove something. Every match brings fire from both fan bases. You’ll see flags waving, people singing national anthems louder than ever, and online debates that go on for days. It’s not just a football match—it’s pride, history, and identity wrapped into 90 minutes.
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FAQs
How many times have Mexico and Costa Rica played?
They’ve faced off over 55 times in official matches.
Who has won more games?
Mexico has dominated, with over 30 wins.
When did Costa Rica last beat Mexico?
Their last win came in 2013, a historic 2-1 at home.
Who has scored the most in this rivalry?
Andrés Guardado leads with 3 goals in Gold Cup matches.
What’s the average scoreline?
Mexico usually scores 1.5–2 goals per game, Costa Rica around 0.5.
Conclusion & What’s Next
The story of Mexico vs Costa Rica is more than numbers. Yes, Mexico leads in almost every stat—wins, goals, and clean sheets. But Costa Rica has heart. They’ve pulled off shocks, defended with passion, and made even one win feel historic. The rivalry may seem one-sided on paper, but on the pitch, it’s always unpredictable.
With more Gold Cups, World Cup qualifiers, and Nations League games coming, we’ll definitely see more chapters in this rivalry. New stars will rise, old heroes will fade, and fans will keep the fire burning. So whether you’re Team Mexico or Team Costa Rica, one thing’s for sure—this battle isn’t over.
