The stage is perfectly set for the Concacaf Gold Cup final, featuring the familiar clash between the United States and Mexico. This marks the eighth time these two fierce rivals will contest the title in the competition`s history. For the United States men`s national team, this is their first final appearance under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, signifying a critical moment. Not only does the USMNT stand as the sole obstacle preventing Mexico from claiming a third consecutive Concacaf title, but they also have an opportunity to avenge Pochettino`s previous loss to El Tri in October 2024.
Playing with a modified USMNT roster that excludes regular starters like 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 is undoubtedly their most formidable opponent yet. While emerging talents such as Malik Tillman, Matt Freese, and Diego Luna have demonstrated their quality and staked a claim for potential roles in the 2026 World Cup squad with their performances, numerous other players still need to elevate their game to the next level.
There is arguably no better platform to achieve this than facing Mexico in a final. This rivalry is legendary for forging USMNT icons, and up to this point, the team hasn`t encountered opposition considered a global football power. Defeating teams like Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Guatemala, or drawing with Costa Rica, doesn`t necessarily indicate the USMNT has returned to its desired stature. Nevertheless, overcoming a full-strength Mexico side would undeniably represent a major step forward.
The USMNT has been actively trying to show progress, but opportunities to demonstrate this against strong competitive opponents have been infrequent. Following matches where this squad didn`t appear to be on par with teams like Switzerland and Turkiye, the encounter with Mexico offers a crucial chance for the team to showcase their growth under Pochettino during his longest training camp since taking the helm. Mexico`s journey to the final was somewhat similar to the USMNT`s, including Panama`s upset result, but El Tri has enjoyed a more successful 2025 overall, having recently won the Nations League.
While a victory isn`t strictly necessary for Pochettino to be impressed with this particular squad, it would certainly be beneficial. The key takeaway is for them to compete effectively and make the match a tight contest, especially by showing improvements in defense. The defensive lapses seen against Costa Rica and allowing 20 shots against Guatemala would likely prove fatal in this final. Ultimately, the pressure to perform falls squarely on both Pochettino and the squad.
How to Watch USMNT vs. Mexico
- 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: A History
This historic rivalry began with their first meeting in 1934. They have since faced each other a total of 78 times, with Mexico holding the edge with 37 wins compared to the USMNT`s 24, and the remaining 17 matches ending in draws. This final will be their 11th meeting in a cup final. Dominance in these championship matches has shifted over time, with Mexico having won six and the USMNT four. This specific match presents an opportunity for the USMNT to prevent Mexico from winning a third consecutive Concacaf championship and to reaffirm their own period of success from 2021-2024, when the USMNT secured three straight cup final victories against El Tri.
Top Scorers in the Rivalry
Landon Donovan holds the record as the top scorer in the rivalry, netting six goals. Donovan notably found the back of the net during the USMNT`s memorable 2-0 triumph over Mexico at the 2002 World Cup and consistently posed a threat to El Tri throughout their matchups.
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
