The stage is set for the Concacaf Gold Cup final, a fitting showdown between the United States and Mexico. This marks the eighth time these rivals contest the final in the history of the competition. It`s the first Gold Cup final appearance for the United States men`s national team under coach Mauricio Pochettino, representing a crucial moment. The U.S. side aims not only to prevent Mexico from securing a third straight Concacaf championship but also to get revenge for Pochettino`s previous defeat against El Tri in October 2024.
Playing with a makeshift roster missing key regulars like Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, and Sergino Dest, Pochettino has guided a team that battled its way to the final. Facing Mexico represents their most challenging opposition yet. Although players such as Malik Tillman, Matt Freese, and Diego Luna have demonstrated their worth and potential for the 2026 World Cup squad, many others still need to elevate their game further.
There`s no greater opportunity for players to prove themselves than facing Mexico in a final. This historic rivalry is where USMNT legends are forged. The team hasn`t encountered what many would consider a global footballing power en route to the final. Wins against teams like Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Guatemala, plus a draw against Costa Rica, don`t definitively signal the USMNT`s return to peak form. However, defeating a full-strength Mexico side would be a significant stride forward.
The USMNT aims to demonstrate progress, but opportunities in high-stakes competitive matches have been scarce. Following performances against Switzerland and Turkey where the squad didn`t quite measure up, facing Mexico offers a critical chance to showcase the team`s development under Pochettino during his most extended period in charge. Mexico`s path to the final has been somewhat similar to the USMNT`s, particularly after Panama caused an upset elsewhere in the tournament. However, fresh off a Nations League triumph, El Tri has arguably had the more successful year compared to the U.S. team in 2025.
While a win isn`t strictly necessary for this USMNT squad to make a statement against Mexico, securing one would be highly beneficial. What`s crucial is that they play a competitive, close match, particularly by showing defensive improvement. Repeating the defensive errors seen against Costa Rica or allowing as many shots as they did against Guatemala would likely result in a loss in the final. This highlights the pressure on both Pochettino and the players.
How to Watch and Match Details
- 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
Head-to-Head History
The two nations first met in 1934 and have played 78 times in total. Mexico leads the historical record with 37 wins compared to the USMNT`s 24, with 17 matches ending in draws. This final will be the 11th cup final meeting between them. Dominance has shifted between the rivals over time; Mexico has won six of the previous finals, while the USMNT has won four. This match presents an opportunity for the USMNT to prevent Mexico from winning a third consecutive Concacaf title and to reassert the dominance they showed from 2021-2024, a period when the USMNT secured three straight cup final victories over El Tri.
Leading Scorers in the Rivalry
Landon Donovan holds the record for the most goals in this rivalry with six. Donovan famously scored in the USMNT`s memorable 2-0 win against Mexico at the 2002 World Cup and consistently troubled El Tri in their encounters.
Here are the top five scorers:
- 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
