The stage is perfectly set for the Concacaf Gold Cup final, featuring a historic showdown between the United States and Mexico for the eighth time in the tournament`s history. This marks the first final appearance for the United States men`s national team under Mauricio Pochettino, and the stakes are incredibly high. Not only does the USMNT stand as the final obstacle preventing Mexico from securing three consecutive Concacaf titles, but they also have the opportunity to avenge a loss to El Tri suffered by Pochettino`s squad in October 2024.
Operating with a makeshift roster, notable for the absence of key regulars like Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, and Sergino Dest, Pochettino has successfully guided a determined team to the final. However, Mexico represents their most formidable challenge yet. While young players like Malik Tillman, Matt Freese, and Diego Luna have demonstrated their capability and pushed for roles in the 2026 World Cup squad with their performances, numerous other players still need to elevate their game.
There is no better stage for such a breakthrough than facing Mexico in a final. This rivalry is renowned for forging USMNT legends, and the current squad has not yet faced an opponent considered a global powerhouse en route to this stage. Victories against teams like Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Guatemala, coupled with a draw against Costa Rica, do not definitively signal the USMNT`s return to their desired level. However, overcoming a full-strength Mexico team would represent a significant step in the right direction.
The USMNT has been actively seeking opportunities to demonstrate progress, but competitive matches for this purpose have been scarce. Following performances against Switzerland and Turkiye where this squad couldn`t show they belonged on the same pitch, facing Mexico offers a crucial chance for the team to highlight their development under Pochettino during his longest camp since taking charge. Mexico`s path to the final has been somewhat similar to the USMNT`s, including Panama causing an upset in the tournament. However, coming off a Nations League victory, El Tri has arguably had the more successful year in 2025 compared to the two sides.
A win against Mexico isn`t strictly necessary for this squad to be seen as impressive, but it would certainly be beneficial. More important is that they manage to keep the match competitive and show tangible defensive improvement. Repeating the defensive errors seen against Costa Rica or allowing 20 shots, as they did against Guatemala, would likely result in a loss in this final. This is where the pressure squarely falls on Pochettino and the players.
Should they improve sufficiently to overcome El Tri in this match, it could be a moment that sees more players solidifying their case for the full World Cup squad. Conversely, a loss risks the same persistent questions continuing to surround the USMNT. With existing narratives weighing heavily on this side, Sunday presents a clear opportunity to break free from them, but achieving that requires demonstrating significant growth on the field.
How to Watch USMNT vs. Mexico, Odds
- Date: Sunday, July 6
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium — Houston, Texas
- TV: FOX
- Live stream: Fubo
- Odds: USMNT +190; Draw +210; Mexico +145
USMNT vs Mexico History
These two footballing nations first clashed in 1934 and have since met a total of 78 times. Mexico holds the historical edge with 37 wins compared to the USMNT`s 24, with the remaining 17 matches ending in draws. This final will be their 11th meeting in a cup final, a series marked by periods of dominance swinging between the two sides. Mexico has won six of these finals, while the USMNT has claimed victory in four. This match provides the USMNT with a chance to halt Mexico`s pursuit of a third consecutive Concacaf championship and aims to re-establish the period of success from 2021-2024, during which the USMNT secured three consecutive Cup final wins over El Tri.
Top Scorers in the Rivalry
The USMNT boasts the top scorer in the history of this fierce rivalry, with Landon Donovan leading the chart with six goals. Donovan notably found the back of the net during the USMNT`s memorable 2-0 triumph over Mexico at the 2002 World Cup and consistently proved to be a difficult opponent for El Tri in their encounters.
Here are the top five goal scorers in 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
Dominic Ashworth