Mexico beat US 2-1 to win 10th Gold Cup title
Jul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; United States defender Chris Richards (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Mexico during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
HOUSTON, Texas - Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday to successfully defend their CONCACAF Gold Cup crown and capture their 10th title in a pulsating final that delivered drama from start to finish.
The U.S. went ahead just four minutes in when Sebastian Berhalter's free-kick found Chris Richards, whose powerful header struck the underside of the crossbar and cannoned straight down, with the referee confirming the goal was good.
Mexico found the equalizer through Raul Jimenez in the 27th minute after the striker converted from close range.
He then dedicated the goal to the late Diogo Jota, his former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate, by holding up a Mexico shirt with the Portuguese forward's name on it.
"We came from behind and are leaving with the title," Jimenez said. "It's great and really important to clinch the crown a summer before the World Cup. It's something we've been trying to do since the tournament began."
Despite Mexico's first-half dominance they struggled to capitalise on numerous golden opportunities.
Roberto Alvarado and 16-year-old Gilberto Mora both tested U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, with Mora's venomous long-range effort requiring a crucial save from the American shot-stopper.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032
World Trump says US nears trade deals as tariff effective date delayed
Singapore MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving S'poreans' lives: Seah Kian Peng
Singapore Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House
Life Rock band My Chemical Romance to perform in Singapore in April 2026
Singapore NUS College draws 10,000 applications for 400 places, showing strong liberal arts interest
Singapore Life After... blazing biomedical research trail in S'pore: Renowned scientist breaks new ground at 59
Singapore More students in Singapore juggle studying and working to support their families
The U.S. created chances through the slick combination play of Malik Tillman and Berhalter but could not breach Mexico's resolute defence again.
Alex Freeman came closest when his header struck Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagon in the face and Diego Luna blazed the rebound over the crossbar.
Mexico cranked up the pressure after the break and got the crucial second goal when Edson Alvarez powered home a header, though there was a nervous wait due to a VAR review for potential offside.
However, the goal stood and the Mexican contingent erupted with wild celebrations.
"I'm speechless. We spent 35 days in intense training, away from our families, with the intention of winning. There's certainly room for improvement, but we're leaving happy and with our feet firmly on the ground," midfielder Alvarez said.
"When they first disallowed the goal, it was crazy. It threw me off balance, but I was really happy to see that it was valid."
Patrick Agyemang had the chance to equalise in the dying minutes but his finish just missed the mark in a tense finale as Mexico held firm to secure their triumph.
Mexico's victory secures back-to-back Gold Cup triumphs and brings them a record-extending 10th crown. Mexico also won the CONCACAF Nations Championship, the Gold Cup's predecessor, three times. REUTERS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
40 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Sinner gets out of jail to reach last eight as Dimitrov retires at Wimbledon
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox LONDON - Top seed Jannik Sinner struggled with an elbow problem and was given an almighty scare before advancing to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon after a cruel twist of fate for his 19th-seeded opponent Grigor Dimitrov who retired injured while two sets up. Novak Djokovic continued his quest for Grand Slam glory at the All England Club with a battling victory over Alex de Minaur while five-times major champion Iga Swiatek found her grasscourt wings to fly past Clara Tauson. The drama was reserved for the evening clash on Centre Court as Dimitrov, who had pulled out injured in his last four majors, played exquisite tennis to go up 6-3 7-5 2-2 but then crashed to the ground after a big ace to hold serve. Sinner, who had been hampered for much of the contest by a right elbow issue after slipping and falling to the turf early on, was left feeling sorry for his opponent who threw in the towel after a short assessment by a doctor. "I don't know what to say because he's an incredible player. I think we all saw this today," said Sinner, who was by a tearful Dimitrov's side while the Bulgarian was attended to. "He's been so unlucky in the past couple of years. He's an incredible player, a good friend of mine also, and we understand each other very well off the court too. "Seeing him in this position... if there would be a chance that he could play in the next round, he would deserve it. Now I hope he has a speedy recovery. Very, very unlucky from his side. "I don't take this as a win at all... just an unfortunate moment to witness for all of us." Sinner next faces American 10th seed Ben Shelton, who beat another Italian in Lorenzo Sonego 3-6 6-1 7-6(1) 7-5 to advance to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon for the first time, as did Flavio Cobolli, who downed Marin Cilic 6-4 6-4 6-7(4) 7-6(3). ROCKY ROAD Djokovic marched into the Wimbledon last eight for the 16th time but the Serbian trod a rocky road before defeating De Minaur 1-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 to keep alive his quest for a 25th major title to surpass Margaret Court. Watched from the Royal Box by another great in Roger Federer, the man whose record eight All England Club trophies Djokovic is trying to equal, the sixth seed surrendered the first set in 31 minutes before roaring back to win. "We did catch up very shortly," Djokovic said of his meeting with Federer afterwards. "We greeted each other. He congratulated me and said it was a great match. That's all. It was a very short greeting, but it was really nice to have him around. "He's one of the greatest legends of our game. So it always is extra special when he's on the stands. I'm glad to break the curse and win in front of him. It's a big relief." Federer's fellow Swiss and former doubles partner Belinda Bencic made her first Wimbledon quarter-final in nine attempts after dismissing 18th-seeded Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(4) 6-4 in a little under two hours on a breezy Court One. The 28-year-old Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion shed tears of joy after she finally broke the fourth-round barrier 15 months since giving birth to her daughter Bella and she said she was surprised at her high level. "I'm really happy about it. Of course, I try not to think about it. I feel great on the practice court. When I was coming back, that's why I felt like I came back earlier than expected, than I expected for myself," Bencic said. "I'm also surprised about how fast the results are coming." She will need all her battling qualities when she takes on seventh seed Mirra Andreeva, the Russian teenager who made short work of American 10th seed Emma Navarro 6-2 6-3 on her Centre Court debut with her idol Federer still in attendance. Swiatek shrugged off a slow start to beat Danish 23rd seed Tauson 6-4 6-1 and set up a meeting with Liudmila Samsonova, who saw off Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-5 7-5. REUTERS
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Sinner into Wimbledon quarters after injured Dimitrov retires
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Italy's Jannik Sinner in action during his round of 16 match against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov. LONDON - Jannik Sinner reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in bizarre fashion as Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire despite holding a two-set lead against the world number one on July 7. Sinner had been battling an injury to his right elbow and was trailing 3-6, 5-7, 2-2 on Centre Court when Dimitrov injured himself serving an ace. The Bulgarian collapsed onto the court holding his pectoral muscle and shouted out in pain as Sinner rushed to his aid. Dimitrov received medical treatment and walked off court before returning to tell Sinner he was pulling out, with the Italian wrapping him in a hug as the Bulgarian wiped away tears. Dimitrov, 34, has been hampered by injuries for much of the latter stages of his career, also retiring from Wimbledon in the fourth round against Daniil Medvedev last year. 'Honestly, I don't know what to say, because he is an incredible player,' said Sinner. 'I think we all saw this today. He's been so unlucky in the past couple of years. An incredible player, a good friend of mine also, and we understand each other very well off the court too. 'Seeing him in this position, honestly, if there would be a chance that he could play the next round, he would deserve it. But now, mostly, I hope he has a speedy recovery.' Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov reacts with Italy's Jannik Sinner after he retires injured from their round of 16 match. PHOTO: REUTERS From the brink of a potential shock exit, Sinner will now face American 10th seed Ben Shelton in the last eight, assuming the three-time Grand Slam champion can recover from his own fitness issue. Sinner has never reached the Wimbledon final, going as far as the semi-finals in 2023. He has played in the last three Grand Slam finals, taking the title at the US and Australian Opens and losing the French Open showpiece in a five-set epic against Carlos Alcaraz in June. AFP
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Portugal's Euro campaign still alive after 1-1 draw with Italy
GENEVA, Switzerland - A last-gasp equaliser by Portugal's Diana Gomes against Italy in a thrilling 1-1 draw kept her country's Women's Euro campaign alive as her strike cancelled out a stunning second-half goal by Cristiana Girelli on Monday. Le Azzurre thought they were through to the quarter-finals after Girelli scored in the 70th minute, shifting the ball to her right foot at the edge of the box before unleashing a curling shot into the top right corner that goalkeeper Patricia Morais had little chance of stopping. But Gomes brought Portugal level in the 89th when a corner hit the bar and the Portuguese worked the ball back into the box for Gomes to fire home, sending their raucous fans, who chanted and banged drums throughout the night, into utter delirium. The draw spoiled Italy's chance of clinching a berth in the knockout round on Monday, with Spain the only Group B team to have so far guaranteed a quarter-final spot with their 6-2 win over Belgium in the earlier match. REUTERS
