Arizona: Alexis Vega ended a long international goal drought, while an own goal sealed the win, setting up a semifinal clash with Honduras.

The breakthrough came early in the second half when Alexis Vega netted his first international goal in 19 appearances. The Toluca forward latched onto a through ball from Raul Jimenez in the 49th minute. Although his initial shot was saved by Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, Vega pounced on the rebound, slotting it between the keeper’s legs. The effort was briefly flagged offside but upheld after VAR review, handing Mexico a 1-0 lead.

Saudi Arabia, participating in their first-ever Gold Cup as a guest nation, managed to hold off the 12-time champions in a physical and tense first half. Defender Ali Majrashi cleared a dangerous effort from Roberto Alvarado, while 16-year-old debutant Gilberto Mora provided a sharp cross that Vega failed to convert.

Just before the break, tempers flared as Majrashi and Mexico’s Jesús Gallardo were booked for a shoving altercation. Gallardo’s yellow card means he will miss the semifinal due to card accumulation.

Mexico doubled their lead in the 81st minute when Saudi defender Abdullah Madu inadvertently deflected a Matteo Chavez cross into his own net. The mishap dashed any hopes of a Saudi comeback, ending their historic Gold Cup run.

Despite showing grit throughout the tournament—including a win over Haiti, a draw with Trinidad and Tobago, and a narrow loss to the US—Saudi Arabia exited the competition without breaking their winless streak against Mexico, which now extends to seven matches.