Mexico Defeats U.S. and Wins 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup
Mexico players and staff celebrate after their win in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final soccer match against the United States in Houston, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Mexico reclaimed their place atop CONCACAF futbol by defeating the United States 2-1 in the 2025 Gold Cup final that took place on July 6th at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. This victory marked back-to-back Gold Cup titles for Mexico, further cementing their dominance after recent triumphs in both the 2023 Gold Cup and the 2025 Nations League.
The highly anticipated match ended a six-year drought for Mexico against their arch-rivals on U.S. soil. The last Mexican victory over the USA in the United States came in a 2019 friendly, which Mexico won comfortably, 3-0. The recent history had been heavily lopsided in the U.S. favor, with one tie and six loses for Mexico in the last 6 games the two faced each other.
Though the decisive goal came late in the 77th minute, Mexico demonstrated clear superiority throughout the match, showcasing its exciting new generation of talent. Among these emerging stars was Gilberto Mora, who made history by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in an international tournament final at just 16 years and 265 days old. The record was held by Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who was 17 years old and 1 day. Before him, it was held by the mythical Pelé, who debuted at 17 years and 249 days.
The decisive moment of the match came in courtesy of Mexico’s captain, Edson Álvarez where the seasoned midfielder delivered the winning goal, underscoring his leadership throughout the competition. Álvarez’s exceptional performances earned him the Player of the Tournament accolade, highlighting his critical role in Mexico’s unbeaten run to the title.
With this victory, Mexico will now dethrone the United States as the top-ranked CONCACAF team in FIFA’s rankings, officially reclaiming their position as the region’s premier footballing nation.
This Gold Cup triumph symbolizes a new era of Mexican football, blending youthful talent with experienced leadership, and solidifies Mexico’s status as the undisputed kings of CONCACAF.