The stage is set for the Concacaf Gold Cup final, a fitting contest as the United States and Mexico prepare to meet for the title for the eighth time in the history of the competition. This final marks the first time the United States Men`s National Team has reached this stage under manager Mauricio Pochettino, signifying a crucial moment. The USMNT not only stands as the sole obstacle preventing Mexico from claiming three consecutive Concacaf titles but also has an opportunity to seek revenge for Pochettino`s team`s loss to El Tri in October 2024.
Competing with a makeshift USMNT roster that lacks regulars such as Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, and Sergino Dest, Pochettino has successfully guided a squad that has battled its way to the final. However, Mexico represents their most significant test yet. While players like Malik Tillman, Matt Freese, and Diego Luna have demonstrated their value with performances pushing for roles in the 2026 World Cup squad, many others still need to take the next crucial step in their development.
There is no better chance to do so than by confronting Mexico in a final. This is a rivalry renowned for forging USMNT legends, and the current team hasn`t faced an opponent considered a global power to reach this point. Victories against Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Guatemala, combined with a draw against Costa Rica, don`t emphatically declare that the USMNT has returned to its desired level. Yet, overcoming a full-strength Mexican side would constitute a major step forward in the right direction.
The USMNT has been striving to demonstrate progress, but opportunities to do so in truly competitive matches have been limited. Following performances against Switzerland and Turkiye that suggested the team wasn`t quite on the same level, facing Mexico provides a significant chance to showcase the team`s growth under Pochettino during his longest training camp since taking charge. Mexico`s path to this stage has been somewhat similar to the USMNT`s, particularly after Panama`s upset in earlier Gold Cup play, but coming off a Nations League victory, El Tri has had the more successful year in 2025 compared to the USMNT.
While a victory is not strictly necessary for this USMNT squad to leave a positive impression against Mexico, securing the win would certainly be advantageous. What is crucial is that they make it a closely contested match, showing tangible improvements in defense. The defensive mistakes observed against Costa Rica and allowing 20 shots against Guatemala would likely lead to defeat in a match of this magnitude. This is precisely where the pressure lies on Pochettino and the squad to perform.
If the team can improve sufficiently to get past El Tri in this match, it could be a defining moment, showcasing more players stepping up to earn a place in the final World Cup squad. Conversely, a loss would mean the same lingering questions continue to plague the USMNT. With various narratives surrounding this side, the final offers an opportunity to break free from them, but they must demonstrate genuine growth to achieve it.
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 met in 1934 and have since faced each other a total of 78 times, with Mexico holding an advantage with 37 wins compared to the USMNT`s 24 victories, while 17 matches have ended in draws. This upcoming final will be their 11th encounter in a cup final, a history marked by periods of dominance shifting between the two rivals. Mexico has claimed victory in six of these finals, while the USMNT has won four. This match presents an opportunity for the USMNT to halt Mexico`s bid for a third consecutive Concacaf championship and aims to re-establish the period of success they enjoyed from 2021 to 2024, when the USMNT won three consecutive cup finals against El Tri.
Top Scorers in the Rivalry
The USMNT boasts the top scorer in the history of this rivalry, with Landon Donovan leading the way with six goals. Donovan famously found the back of the net during the USMNT`s memorable 2-0 victory over Mexico at the 2002 World Cup and consistently proved to be a challenging opponent for El Tri in their matchups.
Here`s a look at 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
