United States and Mexico Renew Rivalry in 2025 Gold Cup Final

The United States and Mexico are set to renew their storied rivalry today in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. This marks the eighth Gold Cup final between the two nations, with Mexico holding a 5-2 advantage in previous encounters. Beyond regional supremacy, this match serves as a critical test for both teams as they prepare to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Historically, Mexico has dominated the Gold Cup finals against the United States, securing victories in 1993, 1998, 2009, 2011, and 2019. The U.S. claimed titles in 2007 and 2021. Overall, Mexico leads with nine Gold Cup titles, while the United States has seven.

The United States' journey to the final under head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been marked by resilience. Despite the absence of key players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna, the team advanced through the tournament with notable performances. In the semifinals, they secured a 2-1 victory over Guatemala, highlighted by Diego Luna's two goals. Luna, a Mexican-American forward, expressed his pride in representing the U.S., stating, "There's no better feeling than to give back to the country that has supported me and allowed me to be where I am today."

Mexico, led by head coach Javier Aguirre, has demonstrated defensive prowess throughout the tournament, not conceding any goals in their four matches leading up to the final. Their path included a 1-0 semifinal win over Honduras, with Raúl Jiménez scoring the decisive goal. Aguirre emphasized the importance of the final, noting, "We approach this match with the seriousness it deserves, aiming to validate our preparations."

For both teams, this final is more than a battle for regional dominance; it's a pivotal moment in their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As co-hosts, the United States and Mexico have automatically qualified for the tournament, making high-pressure matches like this essential for assessing their readiness. Pochettino highlighted this, stating, "This final is a crucial test of our readiness for the World Cup."

The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT) at NRG Stadium in Houston. Fans can watch the broadcast in English on FOX and in Spanish on Univision and TUDN. The weather forecast for Houston predicts partly sunny conditions with temperatures around 88°F (31°C) at kickoff time.

As the United States and Mexico take the field, the stakes extend beyond the Gold Cup trophy. This match offers both teams a valuable opportunity to gauge their progress and build momentum as they look ahead to the global stage in 2026.