The Gold Cup final is set, featuring the long-awaited encounter between the United States and Mexico. Both teams have navigated a turbulent tournament, reaching the final with notably different rosters. Led by experienced players Edson Alvarez and Raul Jimenez, El Tri has overcome all opposition and will face their traditional rivals with the opportunity to secure their third consecutive Concacaf title.
For the USMNT, despite not having their full senior squad available for this competition, coach Mauricio Pochettino has observed significant progress from younger talents like Diego Luna, Matt Freese, and Malik Tillman. This development could potentially influence future squad selections for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host. To defeat Mexico at this critical stage, the U.S. team must elevate their performance further. A strong showing here could help solidify certain players` positions on Pochettino`s roster for 2026.
Here`s how to follow the match and other key details:
Match Information and 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
Recent Head-to-Head
This upcoming match marks Mauricio Pochettino`s second time leading the USMNT against El Tri. The team will need to demonstrate improvement compared to their first meeting in October 2024, where the USMNT was clearly outmatched in a 2-0 loss in Mexico during Andres Guardado`s send-off game. While that previous match was played in Mexico against a full-strength Mexican side, and Christian Pulisic didn`t start for the U.S., even playing in the United States presents challenges for Pochettino given the absence of his regular key players due to injuries, Club World Cup commitments, and rest. Although this situation creates difficulties for Pochettino, it also provides valuable opportunities for the players currently involved.
Historical Context
These two teams first met in 1934 and have since played a total of 78 matches. Mexico holds the historical advantage with 37 wins compared to the USMNT`s 24 victories, with the remaining 17 matches ending in draws. This final will be the 11th time they`ve met in a cup final, a history marked by periods of dominance shifting between the two nations. Mexico has won six of these finals, while the USMNT has claimed four. This match offers the USMNT a chance to prevent Mexico from winning a third consecutive Concacaf championship and to reassert the period of success they enjoyed from 2021 to 2024, during which the USMNT won three consecutive Cup finals against El Tri.
Expected Starting Lineups
USMNT: Matt Freese, Max Arfsten, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Tyler Adams, Luca De La Torre, Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, Jack McGlynn, Patrick Agyemang
Mexico: Luis Malagon, Mateo Chavez, Johan Vazquez, Cesar Montes, Julian Arujo, Marcel Ruiz, Edson Alvarez, Gilberto Mora, Alexis Vega, Raul Jimenez, Roberto Alvarado
Key Player
Diego Luna, USMNT: Diego Luna`s expressive “aura farming” celebration after scoring the USMNT`s second goal against Guatemala perfectly encapsulates his successful tournament. With three goals and two assists in five matches played so far, Luna is making a compelling case for a spot on Pochettino`s World Cup squad. He is demonstrating immense effort and dedication for the team badge, and if the USMNT is to overcome Mexico, Luna will likely be a central figure in that effort.
Key Storyline
Team Progression Under Pochettino: As Mauricio Pochettino transitions from club management to the international arena, one significant difference is the limited training time with players. International camps are brief, requiring tactics that players can quickly adapt to. However, this Gold Cup provides the longest competitive camp Pochettino has overseen with this group, offering a crucial opportunity for him to evaluate player capabilities and for the players to become more familiar with his coaching style.
While there has been clear improvement in the midfield and attack throughout the camp, the team`s defensive solidity still needs to be tested against a strong Mexico side. Pochettino`s tactical approach will be vital in guiding the USMNT through this challenge. Although they may not match Mexico player-for-player in terms of experience or current form across the board, a dedicated team performance for the badge could potentially lead to an upset victory.
Match Prediction
Despite previously considering representing either the USMNT or Mexico, Diego Luna is predicted to find the back of the net against El Tri. However, his goal is unlikely to be sufficient for a USMNT victory. This Mexico squad appears well-organized and in solid form, suggesting that even if they concede, they will likely recover to secure the win and their third consecutive Concacaf title. The predicted scoreline is USMNT 1, Mexico 2.
