In the late hours Wednesday night – at least for those on the East Coast – soccer fans learned the opponent the United States will face in the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup Final. It's one many people hoped for and circled on their Gold Cup bracket:
Mexico.
Mexico outlasted Honduras in the second semifinal match that kicked off at 10 p.m. ET. A goal from Raúl Jiménez was the difference, setting up an inevitable, high-stakes clash between the United States and rival Mexico for the title.
Earlier in the night, the United States secured a berth in the final for the 13th time in program history. Led by an electric performance from 21-year-old Diego Luna, who is shining in this year's Gold Cup, the Americans went ahead two goals early and took care of business 2-1 against Guatemala.
The United States and Mexico have seen each other plenty in the history of the Gold Cup, meeting in the final eight times since the tournament began in 1991. Their most recent matchup came in 2021 when Miles Robinson delivered a header in extra time to shock Mexico and give the United States the country’s seventh Gold Cup trophy.
Together, the two nations have dominated the tournament. Only once has a country other than Mexico or the United States lifted the trophy – Canada in 2000. The United States and Mexico have combined to win 17 out of 18 possible Gold Cups.
Head coach Javier Aguirre’s team has the advantage, winning nine titles, two more than the U.S., and Mexico will look to defend their run as reigning champions.
Both teams reached this point winning their groups. Overall, the U.S. has arguably posted stronger results this tournament, getting through the group stage unbeaten, winning all three matches while conceding only one goal.
On the other side, Mexico had it a little tougher, ending the group stage tied with Costa Rica in points, but won the group on goal differential. Costa Rica, the second-place team out of Mexico’s Group A, went on to give the United States one of the most exhilarating matches of the tournament in a back-and-forth bout on June 29. The U.S. prevailed in a penalty kick shootout to advance to the semifinals.
To say that the history between the United States and Mexico is fierce would be an understatement. These are two programs with a lot of pride and also a lot to play for. Like the United States, Mexico will play host to the FIFA World Cup in 2026, along with North American neighbor Canada, and both teams have hopes of building toward their target of performing well with the world watching.
And at No. 17, Mexico will be the highest FIFA-ranked opponent the United States will face during this Gold Cup tournament. It’ll be the toughest test yet for a United States squad that is growing and developing, but one with a lot of momentum behind them.
The final kicks off Sunday, July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
