Mexico Defeats USA 2-1 to Claim 10th Gold Cup: Key Stats, VAR Moments and Player Highlights

Image: Imagn Images/Reuters

Mexico captured a record-extending 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 2-1 win over the United States at NRG Stadium in Houston. The final produced early drama when Chris Richards rose unmarked to head a Sebastian Berhalter freekick after just four minutes, the fastest goal in a Gold Cup final.

El Tri responded on 27 minutes after a cheeky Marcel Ruiz through ball to Raúl Jiménez to beat Matthew Freese and level the match. Raul paid tribute to the late Portugal star, Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash alongside his younger brother Andre Silva last thursday. Jimenez and Jota shared dressing room at Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. from 2018-2020 before Jotas departure to Liverpool.

Mexico controlled possession (59.7 %) and finished with a 16-6 shot advantage, forcing Freese into six saves. The pressure finally paid off in the 77th minute. Edson Álvarez’s header was initially flagged offside, but after a VAR review it was confirmed as the decisive goal that gave Mexico their 10th Gold Cup title.

Controversy was no absentee. In the 66th minute U.S. players appealed for a handball on Mexico right-back Jorge Sánchez inside the area, however referee Mario Escobar waved play on and VAR did not intervene, a decision U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino later called “embarrassing.” Moments before Álvarez’s winner, Diego Luna was whistled for a soft foul near midfield, ending an American counter-attack  .

Statistically, Mexico’s 12 corner kicks to the USA’s zero marks a very dominant game by Mexico, at least on paper. Jiménez and Álvarez combined for nine of Mexico’s 16 attempts, while Tyler Adams led all players with five tackles. Despite late U.S. pressure, Luis Malagon needed only two saves to help Mexico secure the victory.

Mexico will now turn attention to September friendlies, while the U.S. aim to learn from a match that highlighted squad depth concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup.