The stage is set for a classic showdown as the United States and Mexico prepare to face off in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final this Sunday, July 6, at 7 p.m. ET, hosted at Houston’s NRG Stadium. This highly anticipated clash between the region’s two soccer powerhouses promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with both teams boasting rich histories and a fierce rivalry that has defined the Gold Cup since its inception in 1991.
Since the tournament began, Mexico and the United States have dominated the competition, collectively winning 16 of the 17 Gold Cups contested. Mexico leads the pack with nine titles, including the current championship they secured in 2023, while the USMNT holds seven trophies, most recently lifting the cup in 2021. The only other nation to break their duopoly was Canada, who claimed the title in 2000. The 2025 final marks the 13th time the US has reached this stage, while Mexico has appeared in 12 finals, underscoring the consistent excellence of both sides.
Mexico’s path to the final has been marked by defensive solidity and clinical finishing. Under head coach Javier Aguirre, the team boasts an impressive record of not conceding a single goal in their last four tournament matches, since their opening 3-2 win over the Dominican Republic. They have faced 18 shots in those games but allowed just three on target, showcasing a disciplined backline and stellar goalkeeping. Their defensive efficiency is reflected in the lowest expected goals against (xG) in the tournament, at just 1.39, a statistic matched only by Canada in goals conceded.
The semifinal saw Mexico edge Honduras 1-0, courtesy of a decisive strike from veteran forward Raúl Jiménez. Jiménez, a key figure for Mexico, is on the cusp of a historic milestone, needing just one more goal to become the eighth player to reach double digits in Gold Cup goals. His experience and composure will be critical against a US side eager to dethrone the reigning champions.
On the other side, the United States entered the tournament with a mixed form, having suffered several setbacks including losses in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-final to Panama, a third-place playoff defeat to Canada, and pre-tournament friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, the latter ending in a 4-0 loss. This rough patch marked their worst run since 2007, raising questions about their readiness. However, under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance, the USMNT has found its stride at the perfect moment.
The US squad has faced challenges with key absences: Christian Pulisic opted out to rest before the domestic season, while Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah were unavailable due to club commitments at the FIFA Club World Cup. Injuries sidelined Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson as well. Despite this, the USMNT has demonstrated remarkable depth and resilience, boasting seven different goalscorers—more than any other team in the tournament. Young talents like 21-year-old Diego Luna have shone brightly, with Luna netting three goals, including a brace in the semifinal 2-1 win over Guatemala and a crucial strike in the quarterfinal against Costa Rica. Malik Tillman matches Luna’s goal tally, having scored all his goals during the group stage.
Historically, the US has not lost to Mexico on home soil in their last six encounters, with five wins and one draw, outscoring El Tri 12-1 in those matches. The rivalry is intense and steeped in history, with seven of the previous 17 Gold Cup finals featuring these two teams. Mexico holds the edge in those finals, winning five to the US’s two, including a memorable 2019 final victory. The last time the US lost a Gold Cup match (excluding penalty shootouts) was in that 2019 final.
Both teams topped their groups to reach the final, with the US cruising through unbeaten, conceding just one goal in the group stage. Mexico’s group was more competitive, finishing level on points with Costa Rica but advancing on goal difference. The US’s quarterfinal clash with Costa Rica was a thrilling encounter, culminating in a penalty shootout victory that showcased the team’s mental toughness.
Looking back, Pochettino’s only previous match against Mexico as coach ended in a 2-0 friendly loss in October 2024, where the US struggled to create chances, registering just one shot on target late in the game. Raúl Jiménez was instrumental in that victory for Mexico, scoring and assisting the goals. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming final.
From a tactical standpoint, Mexico’s defensive prowess and experience will be tested against the US’s youthful energy and attacking variety. The US’s ability to spread goalscoring responsibility across multiple players could be a decisive factor. Meanwhile, Mexico’s compact defense and clinical finishing, led by Jiménez, make them formidable opponents.
According to Opta’s supercomputer simulations, the final is expected to be a nail-biter, with the US slightly favored to win 52% of the time, while Mexico holds a 48% chance. The prediction also suggests a 25.8% likelihood of the match ending in a draw after 90 minutes, indicating a strong possibility of extra time or penalties.
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in to FOX at 7 p.m. ET, with streaming options available on DirecTV and Fubo TV. For those without cable, Fubo TV offers a Pro tier starting at $65 for the first month, including FS1, FS2, FOX, and over 100 other live channels, plus unlimited cloud DVR storage and a free trial. Additionally, viewers in Central America can watch all matches live on Disney+, while UK fans have access to free streams via CONCACAF Go and YouTube. VPN services like ExpressVPN provide options to watch from anywhere, with a 49% discount on a 12-month subscription and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The USMNT roster features goalkeepers Chris Brady, Matt Freese, and Matt Turner; defenders Alex Freeman, Nathan Harriel, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, John Tolkin, and Walker Zimmerman; midfielders Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Max Arfsten, Sebastian Berhalter, Johnny Cardoso, Luca de la Torre, Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn, Quinn Sullivan, and Malik Tillman; forwards Paxten Aaronson, Patrick Agyemang, Damion Downs, Brian White, and Haji Wright. Mexico’s squad includes goalkeepers Ángel Malagón, Raul Rangel, and Guillermo Ochoa; defenders Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Gilberto Mora, Jesus Orozco, Luis Chavez, and Mateo Chávez; midfielders Edson Alvarez, Erik Lira, Carlos Rodríguez, Israel Reyes, Marcel Ruiz, Orbelin Pineda, Angel Sepulveda, and Roberto Alvarado; forwards Raul Jimenez, Alexis Vega, Santiago Gimenez, César Huerta, Julian Araujo, Jesus Gallardo, Uriel Antuna, and Julian Quinones.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, both teams are poised to deliver a memorable contest that will add another chapter to one of soccer’s fiercest rivalries. With history, pride, and regional supremacy on the line, the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final promises to be a spectacle no fan will want to miss.
