Edson Alvarez\'s second-half header lifted Mexico to a 2-1 victory over the United States in Sunday\'s Concacaf Gold Cup final at Houston\'s NRG Stadium. The triumph secured Mexico\'s 10th Gold Cup title before a sellout crowd of 70,925 that was approximately 70% pro-Mexico.
Chris Richards opened scoring for the U.S. in the 4th minute with a header that deflected off the crossbar. Raul Jimenez equalized before halftime with a clinical left-footed finish into the upper left corner past goalkeeper Matthew Freese, his 42nd international goal and third-most in Mexican history.
Mexico Dominates Second Half
Mexico controlled possession throughout the match with 60% of the ball and earned 12 corner kicks to none for the United States. Álvarez capitalized on a set piece opportunity, flicking the ball past Freese for the decisive goal that was initially ruled offside before video review confirmed its validity.
The goal celebration honored Diogo Jota, Jimenez\'s former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate who died in a car crash Thursday. Patrick Agyemang nearly equalized for the U.S. in stoppage time but failed to make clean contact on a short-range effort blocked by Luis Malagon.
\"We came from behind and are leaving with the title,\" Jiménez said. \"It\'s great and really important to clinch the crown a summer before the World Cup. It\'s something we\'ve been trying to do since the tournament began.\"
U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino fielded the same starting lineup used in knockout victories over Costa Rica and Guatemala. The Americans entered the tournament on a four-game losing streak, their longest since 2007, but reached their first Gold Cup final since 2021 despite missing regular starters due to injuries and Club World Cup commitments.
\"We\'re disappointed obviously to not come away with a win,\" U.S. captain Tim Ream said.
This marked the eighth meeting between Mexico and the United States in a Gold Cup final. The match served as the final competitive fixture for both nations before co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada.
\"I\'m speechless. We spent 35 days in intense training, away from our families, with the intention of winning,\" midfielder Alvarez said. \"When they first disallowed the goal, it was crazy. It threw me off balance, but I was really happy to see that it was valid.\"
Mexico\'s victory extends their Gold Cup dominance over the United States, with the defending champions now holding 10 titles compared to seven for the U.S. and one for Canada.
Via ESPN