HOUSTON – The US men’s national soccer team missed out on back-to-back titles after falling 2-1 to Mexico in the 2025 Gold Cup final, with Edson Alvarez scoring the decisive goal.
The championship, held at a packed NRG Stadium, saw a majority of Mexican fans in attendance. The USMNT initially took charge, with Sebastian Bar Halter delivering a key cross and Christ Richards netting from a set-piece just four minutes in.
Mexico responded with an aggressive offense, leveling the score with Raul Jimenez’s strike in the 27th minute. Although the US regained momentum, Alex Freeman’s header was saved by Mexican goalkeeper Angel Malagon just before halftime.
In the second half, US head coach Mauricio Pochettino made tactical adjustments, bringing on Damion Downs to shift to a two-forward setup in the 69th minute. However, it was Mexico that clinched the win with Alvarez’s goal in the 78th minute.
Here are three key takeaways following the USMNT’s loss, particularly given their second-string squad lacking key players this summer.
1. Sluggish Ball Retention Costing the Title under Pochettino
The US squad struggled against Mexico’s pressing tactics, frequently finding themselves caught off guard by inaccurate passes and defensive breaks. These weak moments allowed Mexico to regain possession easily, leading to Jimenez’s equalizer and Alvarez’s winning goal.
While it’s common for managers to play conservatively when holding a lead, Pochettino’s adjustments left the team with limited shots in the second half. Despite his changes aiming for better ball control, Mexico capitalized on turnovers, converting them into scoring chances.
2. Captain Alvarez Shines with 10th Gold Cup Title
Edson Alvarez played a critical role throughout the tournament, starting every match and leading defensively when needed. Although he often handles the less glamorous aspects of the game, his contributions were underscored by a crucial goal that solidified Mexico’s victory.
Initially flagged for offside, Alvarez’s eventual goal was validated after a lengthy VAR review, ensuring he ended the Gold Cup as the standout player for Mexico.
3. USMNT Continues to Struggle Against Mexico in Gold Cup Finals
The rivalry between the US and Mexico is no longer as lopsided as it once was, with the US making strides at both club and national levels. Yet, the Gold Cup tells a different story.
This final marked the eighth encounter between the two countries in the tournament, with Mexico winning six times compared to the USMNT’s two victories. Pochettino’s squad was a shadow of its full strength, missing stars like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, which contributed to their struggles.
Despite a strong lineup earlier in the year, the USMNT also faltered in the 2024-25 Nations League, losing to Panama in the semifinals, while Mexico came out on top.
Fan Take: This loss highlights ongoing challenges for the USMNT in critical matches against their fiercest rival. For soccer enthusiasts, the stakes are high, as the growing competitiveness between the US and Mexico shapes the future of the sport in North America.
