Mexico’s National Soccer Team advanced to the grand final of the 2025 Gold Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a combative Honduras at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. In front of more than 70 thousand fans -most of them Mexican- the team coached by Javier Aguirre sealed its ticket to the title match, where it will face the United States next Sunday at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Although the score favored the Tricolor, the performance left many doubts. Honduras showed character, blocked spaces and forced Mexico to defend more than expected, with high pressure that made it difficult for the Aztecs to get out of the game.
Jiménez scores and closes in on Chicharito
The only goal of the Mexico-Honduras match came in the 49th minute, when Raúl Jiménez tapped in a through ball from youthful Gilberto Mora.
With this goal, Jiménez reached 41 goals with the national jersey, approaching the record of Javier “Chicharito” Hernández (52 goals), which rekindles his legacy as an offensive reference for El Tri.
Mora, who is only 16 years old, was once again the most influential player of the match.
Despite receiving multiple fouls, he was not intimidated and was the catalyst of the Mexican attack, combining speed, technique and field vision.
His assistance was key and his performance continues to give reason to hope for the future of the national team.
Referee controversy and tense closing
Mexico had scored a second goal at 53′ against Honduras through Edson Álvarez.
However, Costa Rican referee Juan Calderón disallowed it for a millimeter offside.
The decision caused controversy in the stands, although it was upheld by the VAR.
Although the score favored El Tri, their performance raised many doubts
During the second half, Mexico changed their formation to a 4-4-2, which allowed Honduras to grow in the match.
The Central American team went on the attack in the last 20 minutes, forcing Luis Malagon to intervene on at least three occasions with key saves.
Official match lineups
Buzzy
Mexico (DT: Javier Aguirre):
Luis Malagón; Julián Araujo, Johan Vásquez, César Montes, Mateo Chávez (C. Huerta 70′); Marcel Ruiz (E. Lira 90′), Edson Álvarez; Gilberto Mora (S. Giménez 76′), Roberto Alvarado (J. Orozco 70′), Alexis Vega; Raúl Jiménez (O. Pineda 90′).
Honduras (DT: Reinaldo Rueda):
Endrick Menjívar; Denil Maldonado, Julián Martínez, Joseph Rosales, Luis Cristanto; Deybi Flores (E. Rodríguez 88′), Kevin Arriaga; Romell Quioto (L. Palma 70′), Dixon Ramírez, Jorge Álvarez (C. Pineda 83′); Anthony Lozano (Y. Arboleda 70′).
The CONCACAF Classic
Mexico will face the United States in a Final that promises intensity, history and excitement.
It will be the latest chapter in an iconic rivalry in CONCACAF soccer.
The Tricolor will be looking for their tenth Gold Cup title, but to do so they will need to improve their teamwork and sharpen their attacking skills.
The Final will be played on Sunday, July 6 in Houston, with tickets sold out and broadcast in Spanish on Univision and ViX throughout the United States.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
