In a vibrant match played at Houston’s NRG Stadium, the Mexican national soccer team defeated the United States 2-1 on Sunday, July 6, to retain the CONCACAF Gold Cup title and consolidate its position as the tournament’s top winner with 13 titles, six more than its eternal North American rival.
This match marked the last official engagement of both teams prior to the expected 2026 World Cup, which will be held precisely on shared soil between Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Complicated start, Mexican reaction
Under the technical direction of the experienced Javier Aguirre, the Mexican team was able to bounce back after an adverse start.
Just four minutes in, U.S. defender Chris Richards of English Premier League side Crystal Palace opened the scoring with an accurate header from Sebastian Berhalter’s cross.
The goal surprised the Mexican team, but did not destabilize them.
Little by little, El Tri took possession of the ball and began to dominate the pace of the match from midfield.
Then, in the 27th minute, Marcel Ruiz slipped a precise pass to Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez, who scored with a lethal left-footed shot to level the score.
Jiménez, visibly moved, dedicated the goal to his friend, Portuguese soccer player Diogo Jota, who died just three days earlier in a tragic car accident in Spain.
The Mexican showed the Portuguese player’s jersey as a sign of homage.
Edson Álvarez goal defines the title
Buzzy
In the second half, both teams generated opportunities, but it was Mexico who showed greater offensive clarity.
In the 77th minute, Johan Vásquez sent a measured cross into the box that West Ham United midfielder Edson Álvarez headed in with power to make it 2-1.
The United States, coached by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, tried to react in the final minutes.
In stoppage time (90+2), Patrick Agyemang came close to equalizing with a shot from the box, but Mexican goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón reacted firmly and saved the ball.
Mexico wins Gold Cup
With this result, Mexico reaffirms its dominance in CONCACAF with 13 Gold Cup titles, compared to seven won by the United States.
In addition, the victory strengthens the Aztec team on its path to the 2026 World Cup, where it will host several matches.
The match was officiated by Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar, who cautioned Tyler Adams for the United States and César Montes for Mexico.
Raúl Jiménez, visiblemente conmovido, dedicó el gol a su amigo, el futbolista portugués Diogo Jota, fallecido apenas tres días antes en un trágico accidente automovilístico en España
