Preview of the US Men’s National Team ahead of the Gold Cup Final
Houston will showcase the US men’s national team as they prepare for the Conca Caff Gold Cup final this Sunday, with coverage starting at 6 PM PT on Fox and the Fox Sports apps. However, the team may miss up to eight potential starters in their lineup for the 2026 World Cup opener next summer in Los Angeles. Few expected the US team to contend for the title when the tournament commenced on June 13, yet they still remain among the favorites.
An enthusiastic crowd is anticipated to fill Houston’s NRG Stadium, which holds 72,000 spectators, and the US has already achieved significant success in this tournament. Nonetheless, head coach Mauricio Pochettino is solely focused on victory. “What truly matters is who wins tomorrow; people remember the champion, not those who come in second,” he stated just before the big match. Pochettino emphasized that their objective was not just to reach the final but to win it.
Argentina’s Pochettino recognized the importance of securing a triumph, especially after the US’s struggles against other teams in the Conca Caff Nations League Finals back in March. This summer, he has fielded a mix of MLS players, including first-choice midfielders Tyler Adams and Tim Ream, as well as up-and-coming stars. The US team’s journey to the final has been remarkable; they went undefeated in the group stage and defeated both Costa Rica and Guatemala.
Facing Mexico poses their biggest challenge yet. “We’ve shown we can surprise others, but the end goal remains the same: to win,” said goalkeeper Matt Freeze, who replaced the regular starter, Matt Turner, this summer. Mexico recently secured the Nations League title under veteran coach Javier Aguirre, led by Fulham forward Raul Jimenez.
When playing in the U.S., Mexico draws significant support, and they are expected to transform the stadium into a sea of green jerseys. This match serves as an excellent rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup.
“We need to perform well under pressure, as it’s crucial for our development,” Pochettino noted. He continued, stating that the match represents an opportunity to experience the challenging scenarios they will undoubtedly face in the World Cup.
Winning is what ultimately counts, and while winning this Gold Cup may feel daunting, it could greatly bolster U.S. soccer prospects in 2026. With an impressive past performance in the 2021 Gold Cup final, where the underdog US team came close to victory, they hope to carry that momentum forward.
However, many younger players have yet to experience the intensity of US-Mexico rivalry matches. “I’m thrilled to play in a game I’ve dreamed about since I was young,” expressed Diego Luna, a standout player who tied for second-best in goals scored during the tournament.
Veteran players like Tim Ream are eager to seize this opportunity. “This is my fourth Gold Cup, and I’m yet to lift that trophy. Winning is what drives us,” he said.
No matter how the match unfolds, it promises to be a fiercely contested battle. “We thrive on competition. That spirit has been missing from the national team lately,” remarked defender Richards.
This final is an opportunity for the US team to demonstrate they can stand up to Mexico on this grand stage. “Winning doesn’t have to be pretty; it just needs to happen,” Freeze added.
Doug McIntyre is a football journalist for Fox Sports, covering both the US men’s and women’s national teams, among other sports topics.
Fan Take: This match is crucial for soccer fans as it not only represents a chance for the US team to claim regional bragging rights but also serves as a litmus test for their potential in upcoming international competitions. A victory here could ignite heightened enthusiasm and support for soccer in the U.S., paving the way for a stronger showing when the World Cup arrives in 2026.
