Mexico Stuns USMNT 2-1 to Claim 2025 Gold Cup Glory - Complete Player Ratings

Mexico triumphed over the USMNT with a 2-1 victory to claim consecutive Gold Cup championships, reasserting their regional supremacy.

The United States opened the scoring just four minutes into the contest when Sebastian Berhalter delivered a precise cross that found Chris Richards. The Crystal Palace center-back's header struck the crossbar before narrowly crossing the line to give the Americans the early advantage.

The quick goal caught Mexico off guard, but El Tri gradually found their rhythm and began controlling the game, pushing the USMNT deep into their defensive third. Mexico's persistence paid off when Marcel Ruiz threaded a perfect pass to Raúl Jiménez, and the Fulham forward unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner to level the score in the 27th minute.

Mexico continued to control proceedings in the second period but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. However, they found their breakthrough through another set-piece situation that has become their trademark in this Gold Cup. Johan Vásquez rose highest to flick the ball toward the far post, where Edson Álvarez was perfectly positioned to nod home unmarked. Initially ruled offside, VAR intervention confirmed the goal's validity, completing Mexico's turnaround in the 77th minute.

El Tri managed the closing stages expertly, as the United States failed to create any meaningful chances to find an equalizer.

In what marked the final official encounter between these nations before the 2026 World Cup begins, Mexico successfully defended their Gold Cup crown and recorded their first competitive victory over the USMNT since 2019.

Individual player assessments from the match are listed below.

USMNT Player Ratings vs. Mexico (4-2-3-1)

Ratings Provided by FotMob

Mexico Player Ratings vs. USMNT (4-3-3)

Ratings Provided by FotMob

Player of the Match: Edson Álvarez (Mexico)