A flying header from Edson Álvarez gifts Mexico the 2025 Gold Cup trophy. Despite the USMNT's best efforts, Mexico emerge victorious and the dominant team throughout the match.
The XI
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino didn't make a single change to the squad that beat Guatemala in the semi-final.
USMNT Starting XI vs Mexico Freese; Arfsten, Ream ©, Richards, Freeman; de la Torre, Adams, Berhalter; Luna, Agyemang, Tillman BENCH: Turner, Tolkin, Zimmerman, McGlynn, Sullivan, B.Aaronson, Robinson, Harriel, P.Aaronson, McKenzie, White
— SixOneFive Soccer (@sixonefivesoccer.com) 2025-07-06T21:50:27.427Z
On the pitch
The match started with a bang as Chris Richards opened the scoring with a thumping header in the fourth minute. The goal was assisted by Sebastian Berhalter, who delivered a great ball. This is the second time the duo has combined to score this tournament; the first was against Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
The US failed to capitalize on their lead and Mexico took charge of the match, eventually leading to the equalizer by Raul Jiménez. El Tri maintained their dominance for most of the first half and threatened the Yanks on multiple occussion.
An early strike from @eastmamba! 🐍pic.twitter.com/S6S4GyK9bS
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 6, 2025
Things were a lot more balanced to start the second half with both teams creating a few chances. However, after 10 minutes of play, Mexico started their dominance again, while the US were reduced to counter attacks.
After a few dangerous chances, Mexico were able to take the lead from an Edson Álvarez header. El Tri have been the most efficient set piece team in this tournament and the second goal was a testament to their ability.
The USMNT huffed and puffed, but Mexico didn't budge. El Tri were compact in defending and were still closer to a third goal than the US were to a second.
MEXICO TAKES THE LEAD 🇲🇽😱
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 7, 2025
After a VAR check, the goal is confirmed and Edson Álvarez puts Mexico on top 🔝 pic.twitter.com/5bNm5Ymsnm
Goals
- 4' – USA – Chris Richards
- 27' – MEX – Raul Jiménez
- 77' – MEX – Edson Álvarez
The big picture
The Gold Cup was an opportunity for Pochettino to fine tune some things before the World Cup next year. It was hard for him to do that considering a lot of the "A Team" players were not involved.
The USMNT still seem far from ideal going into potentially the most important tournament in the program history. That said, there were some positives, mainly in finding capable player for the World Cup squad.
Diego Luna, Malik Tillman and others proved that they deserve a spot in the 2026 roster and it will not surprise many if they played important minutes during the World Cup.
The US second best in every aspect.
— Valair (@valairshabilla) July 7, 2025
It's not the end of the world, but it's hard to find many positives from this tournament. Some players were able to raise their stock, which is good, but still they might not be involved in the WC.
A lot of work to do and not enough time imo. https://t.co/yIqCLgbtvO
Up next
The USMNT will be on break for a couple of months before returning in September to play two friendlies against South Korea and Japan. There's a strong chance the returning group will look different from the Gold Cup squad as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and others are expected to return.
Stats
Possession: USA 40% – 60% MEX
Passes completed: USA 282 – 441 MEX
Shots: USA 6 – 16 MEX
Shots on goal: USA 3 – 8 MEX
Penalty kicks: USA 0 – 0 MEX
Goals: USA 1 – 2 MEX
Expected goals: USA 0.64 – 1.26 MEX
Fouls: USA 12– 11 MEX
Yellow cards: USA 1 – 2 MEX
Red cards: USA 0 – 0 MEX
Announced attendance: Sold-out (70,925)
