USMNT and Mexico Battle for Supremacy: Inside North America's Most Intense Soccer Rivalry
In the world of international football, few matchups generate as much fervor and emotion as the encounters between Mexico and the United States men's national soccer team.
When these two Concacaf powerhouses face off, the atmosphere becomes electric. Pride, tradition, legacy, and national identity hang in the balance. Sparks inevitably fly when the Stars and Stripes take on El Tri. While officially labeled as friendlies, these matches are anything but casual affairs.
For Mexico, a nation deeply passionate about football, suffering defeat to their northern neighbors in a sport where America doesn't traditionally excel is simply intolerable. Meanwhile, for the United States, an emerging soccer nation driven by competitive spirit, surpassing Mexico as the regional powerhouse remains a primary objective.
This is a contentious rivalry steeped in history. From Mexico's five-decade period of supremacy, through the era of "Dos A Cero," to El Tri's breakthrough victory in Columbus during 2016, and that memorable encounter in Jeonju, South Korea back in 2002. This competitive relationship spans nearly one hundred years.
Looking ahead to today, the USMNT and Mexico are set to meet in the 2025 Gold Cup championship match, preparing to write another page in their storied rivalry.
Prior to their showdown at NRG Stadium this coming Sunday, Sports Illustrated examines the comprehensive historical matchup record of this monumental rivalry between Mexico and the USMNT.
USMNT VS. Mexico: Complete Historical Head-to-Head Statistics
Mexico continues to hold a substantial advantage in the overall head-to-head comparison. Nevertheless, the USMNT has successfully narrowed this deficit after El Tri maintained an impressive 24-match undefeated streak following their initial encounter in 1934, where the USMNT secured a 4–2 victory over Mexico.
In general terms, Mexico maintains superiority in exhibition matches and virtually every other official tournament where they've encountered the USMNT. However, there's one notable exception in the most significant competition of all.
USMNT vs. Mexico: FIFA World Cup Historical Record
On July 17, 2002, the USMNT triumphed over Mexico with a 2–0 victory during the round of 16 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, marking the sole occasion these nations have clashed in football's most coveted tournament.
Brian McBride and Landon Donovan found the net that day, with Donovan netting one of his six career strikes against El Tri, establishing him as the top scorer for the USMNT in this rivalry.
That memorable afternoon in Jeonju, South Korea, remains etched as one of the most devastating moments in El Tri's football history. Conversely, for the USMNT, it stands as one of their finest achievements, securing eternal bragging rights over their fierce adversaries and spawning the legendary "Dos A Cero" narrative.
While El Tri maintains the overall advantage in their rivalry, the USMNT possesses the most significant victory in their shared history.
USMNT vs. Mexico: Gold Cup Historical Statistics
Mexico stands as the most successful team in Gold Cup history, claiming the championship nine times compared to the USMNT's seven victories. Five of El Tri's titles came through victories over the USMNT in the final, notably the 2011 championship where Giovani Dos Santos delivered one of the rivalry's most unforgettable goals.
This upcoming Sunday, July 6, another chapter in this rivalry will unfold during the 2025 Gold Cup final.
USMNT vs. Mexico: World Cup Qualifying Historical Record
The majority of encounters between Mexico and the USMNT have occurred during World Cup qualifying campaigns. El Tri maintains a commanding advantage over their northern rivals in these crucial matches.
The "Dos A Cero" legend originated before the 2002 World Cup. It began when the USMNT chose to host their qualifying matches against Mexico in Ohio starting in 2001. The Stars and Stripes have achieved 2–0 victories over Mexico in five of the six qualifying encounters held in that state.
Nevertheless, Mexico did manage to claim victory at the intimidating Columbus Crew stadium on one occasion. El Tri defeated the USMNT 2–1 on American territory in 2016 during qualifying, a result that significantly contributed to the United States' failure to reach the 2018 World Cup.
Conversely, the USMNT has never secured an official victory over El Tri on Mexican territory, including 11 unsuccessful attempts at El Tri's stronghold in Mexico City, the legendary Estadio Azteca.
USMNT vs. Mexico: Latest Encounter
Mexico secured a 2–0 victory over the USMNT in their latest meeting, an international friendly held on October 15, 2024.
Raúl Jiménez marked his return to El Tri with a spectacular free-kick opener, before setting up César Huerta for the second goal. This represented a crucial commanding performance by El Tri against their rivals, ending a winless streak against them dating back to 2019.
This match also marked Mauricio Pochettino's second game as USMNT manager. Despite missing several key players—similar to the upcoming Gold Cup final—it was a disappointing showing by Pochettino's team against their primary rivals.
The scene is now prepared for Sunday's Gold Cup final, where the USMNT and Mexico will battle once more for North American soccer dominance. This will also mark the final official encounter between these nations before they, along with Canada, compete in the 2026 World Cup they will jointly host.