The stage is ready for the Concacaf Gold Cup ultimate, and it is a becoming one as the US and Mexico will meet for the title within the eighth time within the historical past of the competitors. That is the primary ultimate that the US males’s nationwide staff has performed below Mauricio Pochettino, and it is when issues get actual. Not solely will the USMNT be the one factor standing in the way in which of Mexico lifting three consecutive Concacaf titles, however they’re going to even have an opportunity to avenge Pochettino’s loss to El Tri in October of 2024.
In a makeshift USMNT roster with out regulars akin to Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun and Sergino Dest, Pochettino has been in a position to put collectively a staff that has fought their approach to the ultimate, however Mexico might be their hardest take a look at but. Whereas Malik Tillman, Matt Freese, and Diego Luna have proven that they belong on this roster with their performances pushing for roles within the 2026 World Cup squad, loads of gamers nonetheless have to make that subsequent step.
There is not any higher probability for that than dealing with Mexico in a ultimate. This can be a rivalry the place USMNT legends are created and this staff hasn’t needed to face anybody who can be thought of a world energy to get so far. Defeating Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Haiti, and Guatemala, together with drawing Costa Rica, would not scream that the USMNT is again the place they need to be. Getting previous a full-strength Mexico, although, can be a significant step in the suitable path.
The USMNT has been attempting to indicate progress however alternatives to indicate that in aggressive matches have been few and much between. After this squad wasn’t in a position to present it ought to be on the identical pitch as Switzerland and Turkiye, dealing with Mexico is an opportunity for the staff to indicate their development below Pochettino throughout his longest camp in cost since taking on. Mexico have had an identical path to the USMNT to get so far since Panama have been additionally upset in Gold Cup play, however coming off a Nations League victory, El Tri have had the higher 2025 of the 2 groups.
Pochettino would not want a win for this squad to impress dealing with Mexico, however it could assist to get one. What’s vital is that they make this a detailed match with the protection bettering. The defensive errors dealing with Costa Rica and 20 photographs allowed dealing with Guatemala would result in losses on this match. However that is the place the stress is on Pochettino and the squad.
In the event that they enhance to get previous El Tri on this match, it is a time that might present extra gamers stepping as much as make the total World Cup squad, however with a loss, the identical questions will proceed to plague the USMNT. As narratives loom massive over this facet, Sunday is an opportunity to interrupt from them however they’re going to want to indicate development to do it.
Methods to watch USMNT vs. Mexico, odds
- Date: Sunday, July 6 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium — Houston, Texas
- TV: FOX | Reside stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: USMNT +190; Draw +210; Mexico +145
USMNT vs Mexico historical past
These two groups first met in 1934 and have now met a complete of 78 occasions with Mexico profitable 37 the USMNT profitable 24, and the opposite 17 ending in attracts. This would be the eleventh assembly in a cup ultimate with issues getting in waves of dominance between the 2 nations. Mexico have gained six of these finals, with the USMNT profitable 4. This can be a probability for the USMNT to cease Mexico from profitable a 3rd straight Concacaf championship and seeking to reestablish their success from 2021-2024, throughout which the USMNT gained three consecutive Cup finals over El Tri.
Prime scorers
The USMNT has the highest scorer within the rivalry with Landon Donovan’s six targets main the way in which. Donovan discovered the again of the online throughout the USMNT’s memorable 2-0 victory over Mexico on the 2002 World Cup and can be a constant thorn in El Tri’s facet throughout their matchups.
Here is how the highest 5 scorers shake out:
- Landon Donovan (USMNT), six targets
- Alfredo Hernandez (Mexico, 5 targets
- Michael Bradley (USMNT), 5 targets
- Aldo Donelli (USMNT), 4 targets
- Christian Pulisic (USMNT), 4 targets