The stage is perfectly set for the Concacaf Gold Cup final, as the United States and Mexico prepare to battle for the trophy for the eighth time in the tournament`s history. This marks Mauricio Pochettino`s first final as head coach of the United States men`s national team, a moment where the stakes are exceptionally high.
Beyond the immediate goal of winning the title, the USMNT stands as the sole obstacle preventing Mexico from claiming a third consecutive Concacaf championship. For Pochettino, it`s also an opportunity for his side to gain redemption after their defeat to El Tri in October 2024.
Leading a USMNT squad that includes several less-experienced players and is without key regulars such as Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, and Sergino Dest, Pochettino has nevertheless guided the team to the final through sheer determination. However, Mexico undoubtedly represents their most formidable opponent yet.
While players like Malik Tillman, Matt Freese, and Diego Luna have seized the opportunity, showcasing their potential and pushing for roles in the 2026 World Cup squad, the tournament has also highlighted that many players still need to elevate their performance to the next level.
Facing Mexico in a final provides the ultimate opportunity for players to prove themselves. This rivalry is renowned for creating USMNT legends. Until this final, the team`s journey hasn`t required them to overcome an opponent widely regarded as a global soccer power.
Results like victories over Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Guatemala, along with a draw against Costa Rica, don`t necessarily scream that the USMNT has returned to its desired standing. Defeating a full-strength Mexico, however, would signal significant progress in the right direction.
The USMNT has been striving to show improvement, but chances to demonstrate this against top-tier competition have been infrequent. Following matches against Switzerland and Turkiye where the squad didn`t fully convince, facing Mexico offers a crucial opportunity to exhibit the growth achieved under Pochettino during his longest camp in charge since taking the reins. Mexico`s path to the final also involved unexpected results, such as Panama`s upset. However, buoyed by a recent Nations League victory, El Tri appear to have had a more successful 2025 compared to the USMNT.
While a victory isn`t strictly necessary for Pochettino`s squad to be considered impressive in this matchup, securing the win would certainly be a major boost. More importantly, the team must ensure the match is competitive and show tangible improvements, particularly in defense. The defensive vulnerabilities seen against Costa Rica and allowing 20 shots against Guatemala would likely prove fatal in this final. This is where the pressure rests squarely on Pochettino and his players.
Should they improve sufficiently to overcome El Tri in this match, it could highlight additional players stepping up for potential inclusion in the full World Cup squad. Conversely, a loss would leave many of the same persistent questions hanging over the USMNT. With narratives surrounding this side looming large, Sunday is a prime chance to break away from them, but achieving this requires demonstrating clear growth.
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Sunday, July 6
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium — Houston, Texas
- TV: FOX
- Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: USMNT +190; Draw +210; Mexico +145
Head-to-Head History
These two rivals first met in 1934 and have now faced each other a total of 78 times. Mexico holds the edge with 37 wins compared to the USMNT`s 24, with 17 matches ending in draws. This final will be the 11th meeting in a cup championship, a series that has seen periods of dominance swing between the two nations. Mexico has won six of the previous finals, while the USMNT has claimed four. This match presents an opportunity for the USMNT to halt Mexico`s pursuit of a third consecutive Concacaf title and aim to reestablish the success they enjoyed from 2021-2024, a period during which the USMNT won three consecutive cup finals against El Tri.
Leading Goalscorers in the Rivalry
The USMNT boasts the top scorer in the history of this rivalry. Landon Donovan leads the way with six goals, including his memorable strike during the USA`s 2-0 victory over Mexico at the 2002 World Cup. Donovan consistently proved to be a challenging opponent for El Tri throughout his career.
Here are the top five scorers in the rivalry:
- Landon Donovan (USMNT), 6 goals
- Alfredo Hernandez (Mexico), 5 goals
- Michael Bradley (USMNT), 5 goals
- Aldo Donelli (USMNT), 4 goals
- Christian Pulisic (USMNT), 4 goals
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore