Mexico dominates the “B” Team to win 2025 Gold Cup Final

Written By Vicente Garcia Miale, SFL Writer | Photo: Xavier Rosales, SFL Photographer

The United States Men’s Soccer National Team met Mexico in the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Head coaches Mauricio Pochettino and Javier Aguirre led two squads that sought to add another trophy to their cabinets while writing a new chapter in the history of world football. Over 70,000 fans attended the home of the Houston Texans in a heated final where Mexican fans were a clear majority over fewer Americans in the Bayou City. 

Although fans across social media platforms and multiple sports figures doubted the capabilities of the players selected by Pochettino, the so-called “B” team properly responded to the circumstances with an early punch. In the fourth minute of the match midfielder Sebastian Berhalter placed a magnificent cross to Chris Richards. The Crystal Palace defender found himself with no mark inside the Mexican 18-yard box, allowing him to head the ball into the net without a challenge. Berhalter collected his second assist in the cup; the previous one also being a cross that landed to Richards during the group stage match against Saudi Arabia. Despite the early lead, the USMNT couldn’t control the tempo of the game and slowly became outplayed by its counterpart.

Raul Jimenez responded in the 27th minute after receiving a filtered ball near the left edge of the box from midfielder Marcel Ruiz. The Fulham striker placed a left-footed shot near the left goalpost of Matt Freese’s goal, but nothing could be done by the American goalkeeper. Jimenez reached his third goal in the tournament and only sits behind Javier Hernandez (52) and Jared Borgetti (46) as the top goal scorer in the history of the Mexican National team. Jimenez paid tribute to Diogo Jota, a former teammate at Wolves, for his passing in a tragic car accident by showcasing a jersey with Jota’s name and number as well as recreating his “gaming” celebration.

An even score at the half prompted certain changes in the dynamic of the match, however, the Mexican dominance continued as the USMNT feared to concede once again. All eleven players in Pochettino’s team defended near the 18-yard box for the majority of the second half and relied on occasional counterattacks created by Diego Luna and Patrick Agyemang. The momentum favored Aguirre’s squad, which utilized a set piece near the farthest corner mark of Luis Malagon’s goal to seal the night. A cross from Alexis Vega in the 78th minute landed in Johan Vasquez, whose deflected header found defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez in front of the net. “El Machín” headed the ball into the goal without problem and gave Mexico a 2-1 lead before approaching the final stages of the match. The West Ham player was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. 

Although the USMNT attempted to find the equalizer through several substitutions like Houston Dynamo’s midfielder Jack McGlynn, not much danger was created, and Mexico celebrated its 10th Gold Cup title after defeating the United States 2-1 to win back-to-back championships. The Gold Cup final was the last official match for both teams as they prepare to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in less than a year. 

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