First was the fact that Julian Araujo made the start at right back even when he hadn’t played a single minute for Mexico all summer. The biggest surprise was another starter, Gilberto Mora.

Mexico defender Julián Araujo (22) and Saudi Arabia forward Abdulrahman Alobud (24) battle for the ball during a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal soccer match, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Glendale ...

Saudi Arabia defender Ali Majrashi (26) fouls Mexico forward Alexis Vega (10) during a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal soccer match, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.

Mexico defender Julián Araujo (22) and Saudi Arabia forward Abdulrahman Alobud (24) battle for the ball during a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal soccer match, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Glendale ...