Mexico wins 10th Gold Cup Title over US
Share and Follow


The tiebreaking goal was scored in the 77th minute.

HOUSTON — Edson Álvarez scored a tiebreaking goal in the 77th minute after a video review reversed an offside call, and Mexico beat the United States 2-1 on Sunday night for its record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title.

Chris Richards put the U.S. ahead in the fourth minute, heading in a Sebastian Berhalter free kick for the second time in the tournament, but Raúl Jiménez tied the score in the 27th with his third goal of this Gold Cup.

Mexico was awarded the free kick when Diego Luna fouled Alexis Vega on a flank. Johan Vásquez flicked the restart across the goal mouth and Álvarez burst past the defense, redirecting the ball from 3 yards just inside Matt Freese’s far post. While the play was initially called offside, the goal was awarded by the VAR, and Mexico defended its title from 2023 while improving to 6-2 in Gold Cup finals against the U.S.

Patrick Agyemang had a chance two minutes into stoppage time but he didn’t make good contact on his short-range shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Luis Malagón.

“We’re disappointed obviously to not come away with a win,” U.S. captain Tim Ream said.

A sellout crowd of 70,925 at NRG Stadium was about 70% pro-Mexico and booed U.S. players when they walked out for pregame warmups. Mexico dominated with 60% possession and had 12 corner kicks to none for the Americans.

This was the last competitive match for the U.S. and Mexico before co-hosting next year’s World Cup with Canada.

The U.S., which has seven Gold Cup titles but none since 2021, used a starting lineup with only a handful of players currently projected as World Cup starters, missing regulars due to vacation, injuries and the Club World Cup.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino used their absence to evaluate players who could push for starting jobs during the friendlies this fall and next spring, and Luna, Agyemang and Freese emerged as contenders for World Cup roster spots.

Richards out the U.S. in front when he headed Berhalter’s free kick from about 40 yards off the crossbar. The ball bounced straight down and just crossed the goal line.

Jiménez scored his 42nd international goal, third-most in Mexican history. He burst past the defense and one-timed the pass from Marcel Ruiz, beating Freese from about 10 yards on a shot that might have nicked Ream.

Jiménez celebrated by grabbing a Mexico No. 20 jersey with “DIOGO J” in honor of Diogo Jota, his former Wolverhampton teammate who died in a car crash Thursday in Spain. Jiménez ran to a corner, sat down with the jersey and mimicked playing a video game.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Teen athlete paralyzed in ski accident finds motivation in tennis, set to play at Clemson

Young athlete finds new drive in tennis after being paralyzed in ski accident, ready to compete at Clemson

BROAD CHANNEL, Queens — There is empowerment, strength and confidence when Liv…
Doctor urges importance of early screenings after Cubs Ryne Sandberg dies of metastatic prostate cancer

Doctor Highlights the Critical Role of Early Screenings Following Cubs Legend Ryne Sandberg’s Passing from Metastatic Prostate Cancer

CHICAGO (WLS) — Ryne “Ryno” Sandberg announced he was diagnosed with metastatic…
Kerry King of Slayer makes surprise appearance at "Shag" art booth to sign art and take photos with artist Josh Agle

Slayer’s Kerry King Surprises Fans at “Shag” Art Booth, Joins Artist Josh Agle for Signings and Photos

SAN DIEGO — At San Diego Comic-Con, you never know who you’ll…
Prosecutors: Man charged with killing daughter-in-law planned to murder her a week ago

Prosecutors: Man Executed Daughter-in-law Following Divorce Request

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. Prosecutors say the man charged with shooting and killing…
Senate confirms Trump nominee to lead CDC

Senate Approves Trump’s CDC Leadership Nominee

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Susan Monarez to lead the Centers for…
Trump says Epstein 'stole' young women workers from Mar-a-Lago spa

Trump Claims Epstein Lured Young Female Workers Away from Mar-a-Lago Spa

President Trump claimed Tuesday that Jeffrey Epstein “took” young women working at…
Delta pilot arrested after landing at California airport charged in child sex abuse case

Delta Pilot Detained After Landing in California, Faces Charges in Child Sexual Abuse Case

SAN FRANCISCO — The Contra Costa County District Attorney in Northern California…
Louisiana woman arrested for lavish purchases while on Medicaid

Louisiana Resident Detained for Extravagant Spending While Receiving Medicaid Assistance

A Louisiana woman was arrested after allegedly buying a Lamborghini and other…