The stage is set for the Concacaf Gold Cup final, featuring a classic matchup between the United States and Mexico. This encounter marks the eighth time these two historic rivals will compete for the tournament title. It is also the first Gold Cup final appearance for the United States Men`s National Team managed by Mauricio Pochettino. The stakes are high: the USMNT aims to prevent Mexico from claiming a third consecutive Concacaf championship and seeks to avenge a prior loss to El Tri in October 2024.
Competing with a roster that includes many non-regulars and is missing key players such as Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, and Sergino Dest, Pochettino has nonetheless guided a determined USMNT side to the final. However, Mexico presents their most significant challenge yet. While performances from players like Malik Tillman, Matt Freese, and Diego Luna have shown they belong and are pushing for roles in the 2026 World Cup squad, several players still need to elevate their game.
There is arguably no better opportunity for players to prove themselves than facing Mexico in a final. This rivalry is famous for forging USMNT legends. The team`s path to this point hasn`t involved confronting any teams considered global football heavyweights. Defeating opponents like Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Guatemala, along with drawing Costa Rica, doesn`t necessarily signal the USMNT`s complete return to elite status. However, overcoming a full-strength Mexico side would undoubtedly represent a major step forward.
The USMNT has been striving to demonstrate progress, but chances to do so in highly competitive matches have been infrequent. After earlier games against teams like Switzerland and Turkiye where the squad didn`t seem to match their opponents` level, facing Mexico offers a crucial test to showcase the team`s development under Pochettino during his longest camp in charge since taking over. Mexico`s journey to the final has mirrored the USMNT`s in some ways, especially with Panama`s upset result in the tournament. Nevertheless, having recently won the Nations League, El Tri has arguably had a more successful 2025 compared to the USMNT.
While a victory against Mexico isn`t absolutely necessary for Pochettino`s squad to make a positive impression, it would certainly be highly beneficial. The primary goal is for the team to compete fiercely and, crucially, to show defensive improvement. Repeating the defensive errors seen against Costa Rica or allowing the 20 shots conceded against Guatemala would very likely result in a loss in this final. The pressure is squarely on both Pochettino and the players to perform.
If the team performs well and overcomes El Tri in this match, it could signal that more players are ready to earn spots on the full World Cup squad. Conversely, a loss could leave the USMNT facing the same lingering questions about their capabilities. With various narratives surrounding this team, Sunday provides a chance to break from past perceptions, but it requires demonstrating tangible growth on the field.
How to Watch USMNT vs. Mexico
- Date: Sunday, July 6
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium — Houston, Texas
- TV: FOX
- Live stream: Fubo (Subscription required)
- Odds: USMNT +190; Draw +210; Mexico +145
USMNT vs Mexico History
These two nations first met in 1934 and have now played a total of 78 matches. Mexico leads the historical record with 37 wins to the USMNT`s 24, with 17 matches ending in draws. This final will be their 11th meeting in a cup final. The dominance in these final matchups has shifted over time, with Mexico having won six finals and the USMNT four. This match presents an opportunity for the USMNT to stop Mexico`s pursuit of a third consecutive Concacaf championship and reestablish the success they enjoyed from 2021-2024, a period during which the USMNT secured three consecutive cup final victories over El Tri.
Top Scorers in the Rivalry
The rivalry`s all-time leading scorer is Landon Donovan of the USMNT, with six goals. Donovan famously scored during the USMNT`s memorable 2-0 win over Mexico at the 2002 World Cup and was a consistent threat against El Tri throughout his career.
Here are the top five scorers in the history of the rivalry:
- Landon Donovan (USMNT), six goals
- Alfredo Hernandez (Mexico), five goals
- Michael Bradley (USMNT), five goals
- Aldo Donelli (USMNT), four goals
- Christian Pulisic (USMNT), four goals
