Mexico vs USA Soccer: Mexico Triumphs 2-1 in 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final

Late Goal by Edson Álvarez Secures Mexico’s Gold Cup Victory in Houston

The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) has a challenging year ahead as it builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a 2-1 defeat to Mexico in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final on Sunday, July 6, at NRG Stadium in Houston.

In a thrilling Mexico vs USA soccer showdown, Mexican captain Edson Álvarez netted the winning goal in the 77th minute with a powerful header, which was upheld after a VAR review. The result gave Mexico back-to-back Gold Cup titles and marked its first win over the U.S. in a tournament final since 2019.

Historic Rivalry Continues in Gold Cup Clash

With this latest win, Mexico has now captured the Concacaf Gold Cup five times since 2011 — in 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023, and 2025. The U.S. won the title in 2013, 2017, and 2021, maintaining one of international soccer’s fiercest regional rivalries.

“We’re obviously disappointed not to get the result we wanted,” said veteran USMNT defender Tim Ream after the match.

Early Lead for U.S., But Mexico Strikes Back

The game got off to an exciting start as U.S. center-back Chris Richards headed home a goal in the 4th minute, putting the Americans up 1-0. However, Mexico responded in the 27th minute with a well-placed shot from forward Raúl Jiménez, leveling the score.

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In the second half, controversy struck during a possible handball incident in the 67th minute. Mexico’s Jorge Sánchez appeared to fall on the ball inside the box, but the referee dismissed U.S. appeals for a penalty.

Pulisic Absent as U.S. Fielded Experimental Squad

Key players including Christian Pulisic and several other regular starters were unavailable for the final, opting to rest or fulfill club duties ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite the understrength squad, the U.S. put up a competitive fight in the latest Mexico vs USA soccer matchup.

“This group needed this kind of experience to grow,” said Landon Donovan, a former USMNT star and current FOX analyst. “It was essentially their A team versus our B team. But these players will benefit from this down the line.”

Pochettino’s Tenure Faces Early Challenges

This marks the second time the U.S. has lost to Mexico under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Since taking the job in September 2024, the Argentine manager has led the team to nine wins, one draw, and six losses over 16 matches.

Pochettino, known for his stints at top European clubs like PSG, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea, now shifts focus toward building a stronger squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Eyes on 2026: USMNT Looking to the Future

Despite the setback in Houston, the USMNT remains focused on preparing for next summer’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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Former U.S. defender and FOX analyst Alexi Lalas took a long-term view:
“They were beaten by a better team tonight, and that’s okay,” Lalas said. “This tournament was about creating a new identity. By the time the World Cup comes around, we’ll look back at this Mexico vs USA soccer final as the moment those seeds were planted.”