Mexico defeats USMNT in Gold Cup final: Highlights from showdown

It’s going to be a long year ahead for the U.S. men’s national team before the 2026 World Cup.

Mexican captain Edson Álvarez scored a late header (77’) confirmed by VAR, and Mexico defeated the United States, 2-1, in the Concacaf Gold Cup final at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday, July 6.

Mexico has won back-to-back Gold Cup titles. Both countries had alternated winning Gold Cup titles at the bi-annual tournament since 2011 (the U.S. won in 2013, 2017, 2021, while Mexico won in 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 and 2025). Mexico also got its first win in a tournament final over the USMNT since the 2019 Gold Cup, ending a three-game losing streak to the USMNT in tournament finals.

“Overall, we’re disappointed obviously to not come away with a win,” said 37-year-old USMNT defender Tim Ream after the match.

USMNT defender Chris Richards scored a header in the fourth minute to take an early 1-0 lead in a thrilling start for coach Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez answered with a goal in the 27^th minute to tie the match.

There was a controversial no-call when Mexico’s Jorge Sánchez fell hand-first onto the ball inside the 18-yard box in the 67^th minute. Sánchez was falling and braced himself for the fall as the ball rolled under his hand. The referee waved off a potential penalty after the sequence.

The result is unfortunate for USMNT, which played without star captain Christian Pulisic and several other key players who opted to rest or join their teams in the FIFA Club World Cup.

“They needed this experience to grow,” former USMNT standout and FOX analyst Landon Donovan said during the postgame coverage. “It was their A team against our version of a B team. They will grow from it.”

It’s the second loss to Mexico for the USMNT under Pochettino — an Argentine who coached soccer giants like Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea — hired in Sept. 2024. He has nine wins, a draw and six losses in 16 matches since taking the USMNT job.

The USMNT will continue to prepare for the next World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico next summer.

Former USMNT standout and FOX analyst Alexi Lalas said this Gold Cup run was about “establishing a new identity” for the U.S. this summer.  

“They got beaten tonight by a better team. That’s OK,” Lalas said. “More importantly, they established the identity that players on the outside looking in – whether Christian Pulisic or anybody – have to adapt to. There’s a long game going on here. Next summer when the World Cup is here, we’ll say … this is where the seeds were planted.”

Mexico vs. USMNT Gold Cup final highlights

Mexico 2, USMNT 1: Edson Álvarez scores goal, confirmed by VAR

Edson Álvarez scored a header in the 77^th minute, but it was initially ruled offside. However, VAR determined Álvarez was onside. The goal will count. And USMNT has about 15 minutes left in the match to force added time.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Mexico’s Gilberto Mora exits as substitute

Mexico’s 16-year-old phenom Gilberto Mora has been substituted off, replaced by Orbelín Pineda in the 75^th minute.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: USMNT makes first substitution

Coming into the match for USMNT is Damion Downs, who turned 21 on July 6. Downs plays for FC Cologne in the German Bundesliga. He replaced MLS San Diego FC standout Luca de la Torre in the lineup.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Max Arfsten’s shot is so close

USMNT’s Max Arfsten fired a right boot from outside the box that nearly scored in the 54th minute. The Columbus Crew standout was close from putting the U.S. in front.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Shot by Roberto Alvarado misses to left

Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado sent a beauty of a left boot outside the box, but missed to the left of the goal in the 51^st minute. USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freeze appeared frozen as he watched the ball sail away from the net.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Crazy sequence results in no goal before halftime

USMNT had a prime opportunity in the closing minutes of the first half, but could not convert. Alex Freeman missed a header inside the box that hit off Mexican goalkeeper Luis Malagón’s head. Patrick Agyemang was unable to gather his footing for an attempt, and Diego Luna fired a shot that sailed over the net in a frantic sequence.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Mexico’s César Montes gets yellow card

Mexico’s César Montes received a yellow card for a sliding tackle on USMNT forward Patrick Agyemang in the 44th minute. However, USMNT was unable to make anything happen on the set piece from Sebastian Berhalter’s free kick.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: El Tri dominating possession

Ever since the USMNT’s early goal by Chris Richards, Mexico has dominated possession under the hazy dome at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Raúl Jiménez evened up the score in the 27th minute in a moment that seemed inevitable.

Now, the U.S. has some real ‘just hang on until halftime without allowing another goal’ vibes.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Raúl Jiménez pays tribute to Diogo Jota after goal

Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez paid tribute to his former teammate Diogo Jota by doing his FIFA video game goal celebration, and holding a Mexico jersey with Jota’s No. 20.

Jiménez and Jota were teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League from 2018 to 2020.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Raúl Jiménez scores goal to tie Gold Cup final

Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez scored a goal with a left boot from the left side of the box to tie this Gold Cup final in the 27^th minute.

Jiménez finished the assist from Marcel Ruíz, and paid tribute to his former teammate Diogo Jota after the score.

USMNT 1, Mexico 0: Why does it appear hazy inside stadium?

After an extravagant firework display during the Gold Cup final pregame ceremony, the smoke left behind a hazy appearance inside Houston’s NRG Stadium, an indoor facility, during the opening minutes of the match.

FOX sideline reporter Jenny Taft said she wasn’t “inhaling smoke” on the pitch, but “this haze doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.”

USMNT 1, Mexico 0: Patrick Mahomes is tuned into Gold Cup final

Three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes, of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, is tuned into the Gold Cup final. He posted this about the goal by USMNT’s Chris Richards:

USMNT 1, Mexico 0: Why Chris Richards’ goal was impressive vs. Mexico

The goal by USMNT defender Chris Richards was the first goal Mexico allowed since their opening match in the Gold Cup, a stretch of four games. Mexico beat Dominican Republic 3-2 to open the tournament, and did not allow a goal until Richards punched in the early 1-0 lead for USMNT.

USMNT 1, Mexico 0: Chris Richards scores goal in opening minutes

It didn’t take long for USMNT to strike first. USMNT defender Chris Richard scored a header inside the box on a set piece (4’) to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead.

It’s the second goal for Richards in the Gold Cup. His header hit the crossbar and landed inside the lower right corner.

How to watch USMNT vs. Mexico Gold Cup final: TV, stream

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas)
• TV: FOX (English). Univision, TUDN and Galavision (all Spanish). With both the English- and Spanish-language broadcast pregame shows beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
• Stream: Fubo

Watch USMNT vs. Mexico in the Gold Cup final with a free trial of Fubo

What time is USMNT vs. Mexico Gold Cup final?

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final between the USMNT and Mexico is set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Gold Cup final will see sellout crowd in Houston

Before the Gold Cup final, Concacaf announced the match will be a sellout at NRG Stadium in Houston. More than 70,000 fans are expected to attend, the organization said in a statement.

USMNT starting 11 vs. Mexico

Coach Mauricio Pochettino is sticking with the players who got the team to the Concacaf Gold Cup final.

Mexico starting 11 vs. USMNT

El Tri coach Javier Aguirre has named his starting lineup against the U.S. in the Gold Cup final. That starting lineup includes 16-year-old phenom Gilberto Mora.

Gold Cup final predictions

➤ USA 2, Mexico 2 (USA wins 4-3 in penalties): This won’t be easy for USMNT, but it’s time to see if they’re going to answer the call — not just on the pitch, but engaging the country’s interest to another level before the World Cup. — Safid Deen

➤ Mexico 2, USA 1: This is a tall task for the — outside of veteran defender Tim Ream — largely green USMNT. The 70,000-seat NRG Stadium is going to be filled with El Tri fans and the place might feel more like Estadio Azteca, Mexico City’s cauldron of sound and fury that has been a bugaboo for the U.S. One also has to wonder how much the U.S. has left in the tank, as coach Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t done much to mix up the starting lineups. Mexico comes in having lost its last three finals against the USMNT and will be highly motivated to turn the tide. Just like the USMNT, this is Mexico’s last real competitive match until the 2026 World Cup. — Jim Reineking

Alexi Lalas rides horse to FOX Sports set

Why?

Concacaf Gold Cup bracket

What are the odds for the USMNT vs. Mexico Gold Cup final?

According to BetMGM on Sunday afternoon, these are the odds for the regular-time result of the match: Mexico +150; Draw +185; USA +210. Mexico are favorites to lift the trophy (-135) over the U.S. (+105).

USMNT could change its World Cup narrative in Gold Cup final

You ask former U.S. men’s national soccer team standouts Marcelo Balboa and Stu Holden about the Concacaf Gold Cup final, and the competitive spirit just oozes from their soul.

Especially since USMNT will face its biggest rival, Mexico, in the Sunday, July 6 match at NRG Stadium in Houston.

What is the Concacaf Gold Cup?

The Gold Cup is a biennial tournament for national teams in the North and Central American and Caribbean region associated with Concacaf. Mexico (nine times), the U.S. (seven times) and Canada (one time) are the only nations to have won the Gold Cup. Mexico won the last Gold Cup competition in 2023.

Which players are on the USMNT Gold Cup roster?

Goalkeepers (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/England)

Defenders (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/France), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/Germany), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

Midfielders (9): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/England); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/England), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/Spain), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands)

Forwards (5): Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht/Netherlands), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Damion Downs (FC Köln/Germany), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada)

Which players are on the Mexico Gold Cup roster?

Goalkeepers (3): Luis Ángel Malagón (América), Guillermo Ochoa (AVS Futebol SAD/Portugal), Raúl Rangel (Chivas)

Defenders (8): Julián Araujo (Bournemouth/England), Matéo Chávez (AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), César Montes (FC Lokomotiv/Russia), Jesús Orozco (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (Club América), Jorge Sánchez (Cruz Azul), Johán Vázquez (Genoa/Italy)

Midfielders (7): Edson Álvarez (West Ham United/England), Luis Chávez (FC Dynamo Moscow/Russia), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens/Greece), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Marcel Ruíz (Toluca)

Forwards (7): Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Efraín Álvarez (Chivas), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan/Italy), Cesar Huerta (Anderlecht/Belgium), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham/England), Efraín Álvarez (Chivas), Ángel Sepúlveda (Cruz Azul)

USA vs. Mexico soccer rivalry

The USMNT and Mexico have met 78 times in a rivalry that dates back to 1934. Mexico holds the all-time series edge with 37 wins to the USA’s 24 with 17 ties between the two.

Here is how the previous five matchups have gone:

• Oct. 15, 2024 (friendly) — Mexico 2, United States 0
• March 24, 2024 (Concacaf Nations League final) — United States 2, Mexico 0
• June 15, 2023 (Concacaf Nations League semifinal) — United States 3, Mexico 0
• April 19, 2023 (friendly) — United States 1, Mexico 1
• March 24, 2022 (FIFA World Cup qualifier) — United States 0, Mexico 0

USMNT 2025 schedule and results

• Jan. 20 (friendly) — United States 3, Venezuela 1
• Jan. 22 (friendly) — United States 3, Costa Rica 0
• March 20 (Concacaf Nations League) — Panama 1, United States 0
• March 23 (Concacaf Nations League third-place match) — Canada 2, United States 1
• June 7 (friendly) — Türkiye 2, United States 1
• June 10 (friendly) — Switzerland 4, United States 0
• June 15 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 5, Trinidad and Tobago 0
• June 19 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 1, Saudi Arabia 0
• June 22 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 2, Haiti 1
• June 29 (Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal) — United States 2, Costa Rica 2 (U.S. wins penalty shootout, 4-3)
• July 3 (Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal) — United States 2, Guatemala 1
• July 6 (Concacaf Gold Cup final) — United States vs. Mexico, 7 p.m. ET (NRG Stadium, Houston)
• Sept. 6 (friendly) — United States vs. South Korea, 5 p.m. ET (Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, N.J.)
• Sept. 9 (friendly) — United States vs. Japan, 7:30 p.m. ET (Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio)

Previous Gold Cup finals

• 2023: Mexico over Panama, 1-0
• 2021: United States over Mexico, 1-0
• 2019: Mexico over United States, 2-1
• 2017: United States over Jamaica, 2-1
• 2015: Mexico over Jamaica, 3-1
• 2013: United States over Panama, 1-0
• 2011: Mexico over United States, 4-2
• 2009: Mexico over United States, 5-0
• 2007: United States over Mexico, 2-1
• 2005: United States over Panama, 0-0 (U.S. won penalty shootout, 3-1)
• 2003: Mexico over Brazil, 1-0 (Mexico won on a golden goal)
• 2002: United States over Costa Rica, 2-0
• 2000: Canada over Colombia, 2-0
• 1998: Mexico over United States, 1-0
• 1996: Mexico over Brazil, 2-0
• 1993: Mexico over United States, 4-0
• 1991: United States over Honduras, 0-0 (U.S. won penalty shootout, 4-3)