It's a CONCACAF matchup for the ages! The USMNT take on Mexico for the 2025 Gold Cup Final. In the last competitive match for the US Men's National Team before the 2026 World Cup, it's do or die for the Americans as they go head-to-head with their rivals for the trophy.
While Mexico is fighting for their 10th Gold Cup trophy, the USMNT are facing a battle of their own. With key players not in attendance for the Gold Cup, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Sergino Dest, this tournament has been pivotal for the long considered "B squad" to step up to the plate. Diego Luna and Malik Tillman have been breakout stars of the tournament for the US in a team that's missing so many of their starters.
Richards to the Rescue
Set pieces have been the bread and butter for the US this tournament, and the third minute of the game was no different for Sebastian Berhalter and Chris Richards. Once again, Berhalter sets it up for Richards to head it home, although there was confusion on if the ball fully crossed the line after hitting the top crossbar. The goal is given and the Alabama native nets his third goal of the Gold Cup.
A Touching Tribute
Troubling for the US, after going up a goal, they haven't been able to maintain possession or have a convincing defensive performance. Matt Freese has made decent saves, but Mexico have been relentless in their search for the equalizer. Raul Jimenez gets it after the US collapse defensively inside the penalty box. He celebrates with a tribute to his former Wolves teammate, Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident on Thursday alongside his brother Andre Silva.
The second half starts much like the first, with Mexico in control. The defense, particularly Richards, looks more solid, but they're still unable to keep possession. Patrick Agyemang has barely had a touch on the ball the entire game and Mexico is locked in defensively. Max Arfsten has a curling shot in the 53rd minute that goes just wide.
Painful Falls and Bad Calls
The referee is refusing to call a foul against Mexico. Tillman goes down twice in a sequence of fouls that were not called, and gets up gingerly. When he commits a foul, it's called though. Tyler Adams goes into the book after a late foul, much to his own confusion. This rivalry is always physical, and the USMNT are feeling it. Noticeably, neither team has made a sub. A handball by Mexico is also not even checked by VAR.
Formation Confusion
Much to the relief of USMNT fans, Damien Downs comes on the field in the 69th minute, celebrating his 21st birthday. The formation is out of shape with him coming in for Luca de la Torre instead of Agyemang, with Tyler Adams screaming from the field to Pochettino in a bizarre scene.
Interesting Calls...
Alvarez scores for Mexico in the 76th minute, but the flag is raised for offside. After a VAR check, it's actually given as a goal. Good to see that VAR can come to Mexico's aid when convenient. In a tournament that has seen several Mexico goals called off, VAR comes through with perfect timing for the final. No amount of time wasting Mexico commits will move the ref, and El Tri go back to back as Gold Cup winners.
Where does the USMNT go from here? How does the fanbase react to this loss? Time will only tell.