HOUSTON, United States — Mexico underlined their supremacy in CONCACAF as soon as extra, overcoming the US 2-1 in a fiercely contested Gold Cup remaining at NRG Stadium on Sunday night time, claiming their record-extending tenth title in dramatic style.
A thunderous header by captain Edson Álvarez within the 77th minute sealed the comeback victory for ‘El Tri’, as they battled again from an early deficit to depart their North American arch-rivals—and 2026 World Cup co-hosts—of their wake.
An evening of redemption for Álvarez
For Edson Álvarez, the aim meant excess of silverware. The West Ham United midfielder had left the identical venue in tears throughout Mexico’s 2024 Copa América opener, pressured off by harm. On Sunday, he returned to etch his identify into Gold Cup historical past.
“It’s a really emotional second for me,” Álvarez mirrored post-match. “Ever since I acquired to Houston, I’ve been excited about that heartbreak. I simply requested life to provide me yet another pleasure.”
That pleasure got here when Álvarez reacted quickest to satisfy Johan Vázquez’ flicked header from a set piece, thundering the ball previous U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese. Initially dominated offside, the aim was confirmed after a VAR evaluate, sending a green-and-red wave of celebration rippling by means of the stadium.
Early shock: USA strike first
Earlier than Mexico may assert their dominance, the match exploded into life with a fourth-minute opener from the hosts. Defender Chris Richards rose to satisfy Sebastian Berhalter’s curling free-kick, his header crashing in off the underside of the bar to affect the group of practically 71,000.
It was a dream begin for Mauricio Pochettino’s youthful U.S. squad, lacking a number of key veterans, however one that will in the end show misleading.
Jiménez honors a fallen star
Mexico responded with goal, steadily penning the People into their very own half. The equalizer arrived within the twenty seventh minute by means of seasoned striker Raúl Jiménez, who latched onto Marcel Ruiz’ incisive through-ball and rifled it into the roof of the web.
In a poignant gesture, Jiménez pulled out a shirt bearing the identify and variety of his late good friend and former Wolves teammate, Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a automotive accident in Spain the earlier week.
Dominance doubtless
Although the U.S. loved transient flashes of resistance—Alex Freeman coming closest simply earlier than halftime—Mexico dictated the tempo and territory for a lot of the night time. Freese was stored busy all through the primary half, thwarting fierce efforts from rising star Gilberto Mora and Roberto Alvarado, whereas Mexico’s midfield regularly lower off American provide traces.
The second half unfolded in a lot the identical style, with Mexico urgent and probing whereas the U.S. assault fizzled out. The successful aim was lengthy within the making, and as soon as it got here, it felt inevitable.
A rivalry rewritten, for now
For the U.S., the frustration was evident. Captain Tim Ream acknowledged the staff’s inconsistency:
“We began out very well after which they clearly acquired a spell within the sport within the second a part of the primary half. We simply missed somewhat little bit of calmness once we received the ball.”
With this triumph, Mexico now sit three Gold Cups away from the U.S. within the all-time standings—10 to 7—and with each nations co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, Sunday’s result’s certain to gasoline the hearth on this ever-evolving rivalry.
