Mexico takes the 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title with a win against USMNT

After winning a record nine CONCACAF Gold Cup titles over the years, Mexico scored another victory in a 2-1 match against the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), becoming one of the nation’s highest ranking soccer teams on its way to win its tenth  Gold Cup trophy. 

The Gold Cup final was one of the most anticipated games in soccer history as Mexico, also known as El Tri, went up against their biggest rival, USMNT, two of the most successful soccer teams, with each securing more than five Gold Cup titles in the past three decades. 

After attacking midfielder Diego Luna led the semifinal win 2-1 against Guatemala on Wednesday, July 2, the USMNT took an early lead in the final, scoring in under four minutes. Defender Chirs Richards scored the first goal, making it 1-0 against Mexico, on a set piece free kick from midfielder Sebastian Berthalter, allowing Richards to score with a header off the crossbar over Mexican goalkeeper Luis Malagón.

With just 14 minutes into the game, over six fouls could have been called but association referee Mario Escobar, did not feel it was necessary to do so, creating tension between the players as some appeared to become aggravated over fouls being ignored. 

As the USMNT took the lead in the first five minutes of the game, Mexico was able to regain their stride by scoring 1-1 during the 27th minute, scoring their first goal of the first half. Forward Raúl Jiménez scored the goal, smashing the ball from a close range, tying Mexico with USMNT. Jiménez honored his former teammate Diogo Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal soccer star who died in a car crash along with his brother André Silva, by sitting down on the grass, laying down a jersey with Jota’s name and number, doing a reenactment of the soccer star playing video games after scoring a goal. Jiménez and Jota both played at Wolverhampton Wanderers from 2018 to 2020. 

Following their win 1-0 against Honduras on Wednesday, July 2, Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora, is the youngest player who has represented Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. 16-year-old Mora has earned his position in the Gold Cup by assisting Jiménez in the 50th minute mark, securing a victory in the semifinal to become one of the starting 11 in the final. Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre states Mora’s ambition, mental acuity, discipline and skills has made him stand out from several young players, making him a great asset to Mexico. Though Mora did not play for the entirety of the game, he was substituted by midfielder Orbelín Pineda in the 75th minute, making history as the youngest soccer player to play in the Gold Cup.

While the USMNT had several opportunities to score, Mexico was able to steal the ball throughout the majority of the game, calculating each pass and making sure they always had the ball. Both teams tried their best to be strategic with their passes but USMNT did not succeed, as Mexico had 12 corner kicks. 

Mexico earned 10 titles (1993, 1996, 1998, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2016, 2019, 2023 and 2025) while the U.S. has earned seven (1991, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2021). With over 70,000 fans in attendance at the NRG stadium in Houston, TX., fans sold out the long-awaited soccer final on Sunday, July 6.

As the tension and pressure kept increasing during the second half, Mexico’s midfielder Edson Álvarez scored the second goal, making it 2-1 in the 77th minute. Mexico was given a free kick when Luna fouled forward Alexis Vega, giving Vasquez the opportunity to strike against USMNT’s goalkeeper Matt Freese. Vasquez’s header goal was a monumental moment for the second half as the goal was ruled offside, leaving the decision to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to look over and decide if Mexico was going to keep the point. As the decision was being made, Mexico’s tournament captain remained calm and waited as the final decision was made. As the referee granted Mexico their second point, Alvarez burst out of excitement and celebrated with his teammates as they were one step closer to winning the Gold Cup. 

As Mexico’s captain, Alvarez was presented with the Golden Ball Award for being the best player of the tournament, along with Malagón who was presented the Golden Glove Award for being the best goalkeeper. 

Mexico fan, Temo C. had a gut feeling of Mexico’s victory. Despite the USMNT scoring the first goal, Temo knew Mexico was going to win the Gold Cup.

“I thought it was an exciting game. The U.S was good but I feel like that was a boost for Mexico to echarle mas ganas and play better,” said Temo. “I hope Mexico can keep this momentum going for the World Cup in 2026 and hopefully keep Gilberto Mora as a starter.”

With both teams preparing for the World Cup 2026, many fans look forward to watching their favorite elite players from Mexico and the U.S. compete against each other once more in the upcoming tournament.