Mexico Storms Back to Beat USMNT, Wins 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup Title

El Tri Claims 2-1 Victory in Houston to Reclaim Regional Supremacy

HOUSTON (July 6, 2025) — For 23 exhilarating minutes, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) appeared on course to reclaim the top spot in CONCACAF. A stunning early goal had the Americans leading Mexico 1-0 in the 2025 Gold Cup final at NRG Stadium. But in the end, it was El Tri who showed their class and resilience, rallying for a 2-1 victory to lift their record-extending 10th Gold Cup title.

Edson Álvarez’s dramatic 77th-minute header, confirmed after a tense VAR review, proved to be the match-winner before a roaring crowd of 70,925.

A Dream Start for the U.S.

The match began perfectly for the U.S. Just four minutes in, Patrick Agyemang drew a foul on the right flank. Sebastian Berhalter whipped in a dangerous free kick, and center-back Chris Richards rose highest, guiding a pinpoint header off the crossbar and narrowly over the goal line.

After a moment of confusion, the assistant referee confirmed the goal, sending U.S. players and fans into jubilation. It was a dream start—one that briefly raised hopes of an upset.

Mexico Responds Through Jiménez

Mexico, however, quickly regained control. Led by midfield maestro Edson Álvarez, teenage sensation Gilberto Mora, and playmaker Marcel Ruíz, El Tri began to dominate possession and pull the U.S. midfield out of shape.

In the 27th minute, Ruíz unlocked the American defense with a clever reverse pass to Raúl Jiménez. The veteran striker calmly slotted home the equalizer, silencing the American crowd and shifting the momentum.

The U.S. struggled to mount an offensive response, failing to register another shot before halftime. Mexico, while not overwhelming, looked increasingly comfortable.

Álvarez’s Header Seals the Title

The second half followed a similar pattern. The U.S., lacking pace and width, failed to threaten Mexico’s defense. Meanwhile, Mexico patiently probed for an opening.

That opening finally came in the 77th minute. Álvarez, already Mexico’s leader and best player, met a flicked free kick with a powerful diving header. Initially ruled offside, the goal was overturned after VAR review. The Mexican captain sprinted to the fans in celebration, knowing his goal would likely secure the trophy.

Despite late efforts, the U.S. couldn’t find an equalizer.

USMNT’s Journey Falls Just Short

For the USMNT, the loss ended a valiant run. Missing stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Sergiño Dest, and Antonee Robinson, head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad—heavy on MLS talent—defied expectations to reach the final.

After a rocky start to the summer, including a 4-0 loss to Switzerland, the team regrouped, bonding through adversity. They advanced past Costa Rica in a penalty shootout and survived a semifinal scare from Guatemala. Along the way, they won back skeptical fans and rediscovered belief.

But in the end, they lacked the top-end talent to dethrone Mexico. “We did not come here to be a second-place team,” goalkeeper Matt Freese said before the match. Unfortunately, that’s exactly where they finished.

Mexico Reigns Supreme Once Again

For Mexico, the win was sweet redemption after six consecutive competitive matches without a victory over the U.S. Raúl Jiménez’s pre-match prediction that “streaks are meant to be broken” proved prophetic.

El Tri became the first team since their own 2009-2011 squads to successfully defend the Gold Cup title. They now head into the 2026 North American-hosted World Cup as the undisputed kings of the continent.

Final Score

🇲🇽 Mexico 2
⚽ Raúl Jiménez (27’)
⚽ Edson Álvarez (77’)

🇺🇸 USA 1
⚽ Chris Richards (4’)

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