Confirmation that Saudi Arabia had won the right to host the World Cup came in December. On the field, the Club World Cup was the first chance for the country to make a global statement about the growth of its domestic game, which is largely unheralded outside of Asia.

Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday as El Tri remain on track to secure back-to-back Gold Cup titles. Alexis Vega put Mexico ahead early in the second half, then a late own goal from Abdullah Madu sealed the comfortable win.

Alexis Vega scores early in the second half before Saudi Arabia concedes a late own goal, as Mexico secures a 2-0 win in the Gold Cup quarterfinals.