Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 to retain the Concacaf Gold Cup and to lift the title for a record-expanding 10th time on Sunday.
A 77th minute Header from Mexico-Schipper Edson Alvarez completed a comeback victory after a typically heavily fought struggle between the North American arch rivals and co-hosts from 2026 World Cup.
The victory was no less than Mexico earned after he had been dominated for a long time against the inexperienced American side of Mauricio Pochettino, who went to the tournament, missed several regulars of the first choice.
The winner of Alvarez turned a fairy -tale return to Houston after he left in tears in the Mexico’s opening match of the Copa America in tears last year.
«It’s a very emotional moment for me,» said West Ham’s midfielder afterwards.
«Since I arrived in Houston, I have thought of that heartache. I just asked life to give me a joy.»
The US reached a dream start when Chris Richards in the middle Back The hosts led in a lead of the fourth minute for just under 71,000 fans at NRG Stadium.
Sebastian Berhalter’s perfectly mentioned free kick sowed panic in the Mexican defense, and Crystal Palace defender Richards stooped for a powerful header that was channeled from the bottom of the bar and over the line.
That early effort was to be the best chance of the US on a first half that Mexico largely checked.
The 16-year-old Prodigy Gilberto Mora of Mexico threatened to catch an equalizer in the 24th minute, but his curling shot was saved by the American goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Three minutes later, Mexico attracted level.
Marcel Ruiz has led an excellent pass to veteran striker Raul Jimenez, who crashed an unstoppable shot in the roof of the net.
What tribute
Jimenez celebrated by producing a shirt with the name and number 20 of the late former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate Diogo Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal star who died in a car accident in Spain last week.
«He was a great teammate at Wolves during my two years,» Jimenez explained afterwards.
Mexico striker Raúl Jiménez (9) holds a sweater with the name Liverpool player and former Wolverhampton teammate Diogo Jota while he celebrates after his goal against the United States in the first half of the Gold Cup Final match match match, Sunday, July 6, 2025. Photoredit: AP
Mexico striker Raúl Jiménez (9) holds a sweater with the name Liverpool player and former Wolverhampton teammate Diogo Jota while he celebrates after his goal against the United States in the first half of the Gold Cup Final match match match, Sunday, July 6, 2025. Photoredit: AP
“We have often kept in touch, we have shared wonderful moments and times there and played an important role in the performance of Wolves in that period.
«It’s really hard to hear news about someone who is so close to you who was a good friend.»
Mexico continued to cut the better chances and Roberto Alvarado’s low shot forced a good rescue from Freese in the 35th minute.
The keeper had to be alert again five minutes later and put Mora’s powerful strike away while he ran to the top corner.
Alex Freeman almost nodded the US back before the break after the hesitation by goalkeeper Angel Malagon, but his header was channeled back from the face of the Mexico stop.
The second half followed a similar pattern, in which Mexico saw the more threatening side when the US struggled to create something on the other side.
The breakthrough finally came 13 minutes after the time, when Johan Vazquez’s Flick-On was met by Alvarez, who sent a header in the net.
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The goal was offside, but the repetitions showed that Alvarez was clearly aside and VAR the decision to give Mexico a record 10th Gold Cup, three more than the US.
«It is clear that we are disappointed not to get away with a victory,» said USA Captain Tim Ream.
“We started really well, and then they got a spell into the game in the second part of the first half.
«We just missed a bit of calm when we won the ball to move them around a bit.»
