Edson Álvarez scored a decisive goal in the 77th minute after a video review overturned a previous offside call, helping Mexico secure a 2-1 victory over the United States in the Gold Cup final. This victory marked Mexico’s record tenth CONCACAF Gold Cup title.
The US initially took the lead early in the fourth minute when Chris Richards headed in a Sebastian Berhalter free kick, marking his second goal of the tournament. However, Raúl Jiménez equalized for Mexico in the 27th minute with his third goal of the competition.
The match-changing moment came when Mexico was awarded a free kick after Diego Luna was fouled by Alexis Vega. Johan Vásquez flicked the restart across the goal mouth, and Álvarez surged past defenders to redirect the ball from close range. Although initially ruled offside, the goal was confirmed after VAR review. Mexico’s victory extended their dominance in Gold Cup finals against the US, now holding a 6-2 record in these matchups.
Patrick Agyemang had a late chance in stoppage time but failed to make good contact on his short-range shot, which was saved by Mexico’s goalkeeper Luis Malagón.
The sold-out crowd of 70,925 at NRG Stadium was predominantly pro-Mexico, booing US players during pregame warmups. Mexico controlled possession with 60 percent and earned 12 corner kicks, compared to none for the US.
This match marked the final competitive encounter for both teams before they co-host next year’s World Cup with Canada. The US team, which has won seven Gold Cups but not since 2021, fielded a lineup with many players not currently expected to be on the World Cup roster due to injuries, vacations, and the Club World Cup.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino used the opportunity to evaluate emerging talent, with Johan Luna and Patrick Agyemang standing out as potential World Cup contenders.
Richards put the US ahead with a heading off a Berhalter free kick from about 40 yards, with the ball bouncing in off the crossbar. Jiménez scored his 42nd international goal, the third-most in Mexican history, timing his run perfectly to beat the goalkeeper from about 10 yards after a pass from Marcel Ruiz, possibly deflected by defender Tim Ream.
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