HOUSTON, TEXAS – IT was jubilation for Mexico and their supporters on Sunday night (Jul. 6), as El Tri held off a spirited challenge from the United States to clinch their 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title with a 2-1 victory at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
In front of a sold-out crowd at the indoor venue, the U.S. got off to a dream start when Chris Richards opened the scoring in the 4th minute, heading home a free kick delivered by Sebastian Berhalter.
But Mexico quickly settled and began dominating the flow of the game, carving open the American defense with a series of well-placed through balls and aggressive attacking play.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 27th minute when Raúl Jiménez fired in a powerful left-footed strike after latching onto a perfectly timed pass from Marcel Ruíz, leveling the score at 1-1.
The U.S. pushed to regain the lead before halftime but were unable to break through a disciplined Mexican backline.
After the break, it was all Mexico. Their relentless pressure and precise build-up play eventually paid off in the 77th minute when Edson Álvarez rose above the defense to head home from a set piece, sealing the win.
With the result, Mexico not only defended the title they won in 2023—also on U.S. soil—but secured their record-extending 10th Gold Cup crown since the tournament's inception.