In a thrilling encounter, Mexico secured its 10th Gold Cup title, successfully defending the trophy they won in 2023. The match concluded with a 2-1 victory over the United States in front of a passionate, pro-Mexico crowd in Houston, Texas, on Sunday. The decisive moment came when West Ham midfielder Edson Álvarez scored the winning goal in the second half, heading the ball into the net after it deflected off the head of teammate John Vásquez.
Initially, Álvarez's goal was ruled out for offside, but a VAR review determined that he was level with the last defender when Vásquez made contact. This decision sparked jubilant celebrations among fans and players alike. However, it also ignited controversy on the sidelines, with head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressing his frustration over a missed penalty call just ten minutes earlier. In that incident, Mexico defender Jorge Sánchez handled the ball while falling after tackling Max Arfsten inside the penalty area.
Pochettino stated, “For sure it’s a penalty... he pushed the hand over the ball.” He suggested that the atmosphere created by the 70,000-strong pro-Mexico crowd may have influenced the officials. “If that happened in the opposite half, for sure it’s a penalty,” he added, hinting that the outcome could have been different had the call been made in favor of the US.
The defeat marks the end of a challenging month for the United States team. After exhibiting inconsistent performances in friendly matches against Turkey and Switzerland, the team found its footing during the Gold Cup. Several players, including midfielders Malik Tillman and Diego Luna, made strong cases for inclusion in next year’s World Cup roster, while defender Chris Richards stepped up in a leadership role.
Despite these positives, the loss is a disappointment for the US, as it was their last competitive match before the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted at home.
While the final score was close, the statistics reveal a different story. Mexico dominated the match with 16 shots, eight of which were on target, compared to the US’s six total shots and only three on target. Additionally, Mexico held 60% of possession and earned 12 corner kicks, while the US failed to secure any.
The match began with a surprising opening goal from Chris Richards, who scored with a header from a set piece. The Crystal Palace defender caught the Mexican defense off-guard, redirecting a Sebastian Berhalter delivery into the net after the ball ricocheted off the crossbar. This early goal gave the US a temporary lead and momentum.
In response to the early setback, Mexico ramped up the pressure, unleashing a series of attacks that kept the US on the defensive. The breakthrough finally came in the 27th minute when Raúl Jiménez scored the equalizer. The Fulham striker finished a well-placed shot from a tight angle, finding the roof of the net past goalkeeper Matt Freese. Jiménez’s goal was particularly poignant as he dedicated it to his late teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident.
As the match progressed, the Mexican side continued to dominate possession, eliciting “Olé” chants from the crowd as they expertly passed the ball around the pitch. Despite a few counter-attacks from the US, the combination of Patrick Agyemang and Tillman struggled to connect effectively.
The second half saw Mexico maintain its offensive pressure, with multiple close chances. Just six minutes after the break, Roberto Alvarado missed a golden opportunity at the near post. However, perseverance paid off in the 76th minute when Álvarez found the back of the net and secured the victory for Mexico.
With this triumph, Mexico has not only defended their title but also reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse in the Gold Cup. As they celebrate this victory, the US team will look to regroup and prepare for future challenges, including the upcoming World Cup.
