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New York Times
08-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Analysing Gilberto Mora, Mexico's 16-year-old wonderkid who broke a Lamine Yamal record on Sunday
Following the extraordinary rise of Lamine Yamal across the last calendar year, it's easy to feel a bit numb to the tender age at which game-changing footballers are breezing to the top of the modern game. In Gilberto Mora, Mexico might just have unearthed the next. This time last summer, the teenager had yet to play a single minute of senior football. But over the last week, Mora has started three times for his country, tip-tapping between flailing legs with the ball at his feet, his confidence and dribbling ability utterly defying his years. Advertisement On Thursday, he provided a crucial assist for Raul Jimenez, a centre forward more than twice his age, to help Mexico through to the Gold Cup final. Three days later, he played 75 minutes as Javier Aguirre's side won it with a 2-1 victory over the United States, overtaking Yamal and the great Pele as the youngest-ever player to lift an international trophy, aged 16 years and 265 days. It's hard not to sit up and take notice of Mora, his baby-faced exuberance almost comically out of place alongside some of the grizzled veterans around whom he was running. But his performances across the last week, in an unfamiliar midfield role no less, beamed composure and experience beyond his age. Mexico is a vibrant place to play football, stadiums bursting with colour and noise. It's where Mora's free-spirited approach to the game has found a natural home, a slippery winger with touch-tight control who can whip up a crowd with nutmegs and drag-backs, spins and shots from all across the pitch. His breakthrough season with Tijuana has captured the imagination, given his opportunity with the first team after being offered a grant to study at a local school by the club, almost 4,000 kilometres away from his hometown of Tuxtla Gutierrez in the south west. He was just 15 when he trotted onto the pitch for his Liga MX debut in August 2024, bouncing around in a baggy black shirt with the No 251 on his back. But sure enough, just 20 minutes after his introduction, Mora left opposition midfielder Salvador Mariscal behind with a sharp turn, before gliding towards the halfway line and slipping it through to Jaime Alvarez to score. Within two weeks, he would become the youngest goalscorer in Mexican top-flight history, sweeping home after a cross broke kindly to him on the penalty spot against Club Leon. 'I hope he goes on to have a successful career,' said his manager Juan Carlos Osorio after the game. 'This is a triumph for the academy and for Gilberto's family.' Since then, Mora has racked up over 1,000 minutes of game time, commentators perking up when 'El chamaco Mora' — the kid, Mora — picks up the ball out on the left. Another fond phrase from the gantry is 'Encara, Mora' — still, Mora —just as we heard over and over when Lionel Messi scored that iconic solo goal against Getafe back in 2007. This 16-year-old has that unerring ability to hold onto the ball for so much longer than it looks like he should. Mora was fouled almost twice per game last season, his quick feet and low centre of gravity helping him to wriggle around challenges and keep his balance with defenders snapping at his heels. Predominantly playing off the left at club level, Mora is not afraid to drive towards the penalty area and strike through the ball with his right foot, taking 21 shots from that side of the pitch. Here against Santos Laguna, for example, he receives the pass out wide with the defence backtracking, quick to face up to his full-back before chopping inside and hammering a low shot towards the near post. He can also hit them with his left, as he made quite clear in that Gold Cup final against the United States. Popping up on the opposite side of the pitch, Mora does not lack confidence as he demands the ball from full-back Jorge Sanchez before scurrying inside and letting fly from distance. Matt Freese steps across to make the save, but not without spilling a strike that was swerving through the air. His technical ability means that at club level, Tijuana often leave him out wide, an outlet for the team to move forward quickly. He received close to 8.0 progressive passes per game last season, the fourth-highest rate in the squad, a winger who you can sling passes out to and expect them to bring the ball down, burst into a dangerous area and make things happen. This curled effort against Pumas flashes wide, but Mora's first touch, smooth swivelling motion around the defender and far-post shot illustrate the danger he can create after a quick switch of play. That said, it was Mora's willingness to drift across the pitch to pick up the ball that stood out across his busy performances for the national team. Despite his slender figure, he was deployed as a midfielder in a 4-3-3 in each of the Gold Cup knockout games in a left-sided No 8 role, with Edson Alvarez anchoring things in the middle. He more than held his own without the ball, winning 13 of his 18 ground duels, but Mora was at his best when given freedom to drift into the pockets of space behind the opposition midfield. Advertisement It's how he picked up his first goal contribution for his country, as shown by the series of images below. As Johan Vasquez carries the ball out of defence in frame one, Mora has drifted inside to allow left-back Mateo Chavez to push on. Meanwhile, forward Alexis Vega has dropped from his advanced position, dragging Honduras centre-back Denil Maldonado out of the back four. Mora spots the opportunity to attack that space and latches onto Vega's pass in frame three, before dancing around the challenge of defender Julian Jose Martinez and sliding it into the box for Jimenez to hit first time. Not just his self-assurance, it was Mora's versatility, alongside his personality to continually show for the ball under pressure, that shone brightly on the international stage. There are, of course, areas to be worked on — his decision-making in the final third, strength in shoulder-to-shoulder duels — but they are understandable, and refinable, at such a young age. 'Surely he will be competing in Europe,' said Tijuana's academy director Ignacio Ruvalcaba told Mexican sports newspaper Record earlier this month. 'I'd like to see him here for a little longer, maybe a year, and that he goes to the World Cup and then makes the leap.' If his first outings for the national team are anything to go by, then Mora shouldn't have too many problems making the step up. (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🚨 Mexico dispatch The United States to win 2025 Gold Cup
Mexico have been crowned Gold Cup winners for the second consecutive tournament after dispatching the United States in a high-energy clash in Houston Sunday evening. Scorers: Richards 4' ; Jiménez 27', Álvarez 77' Advertisement It was a rip-roaring start as the U.S. took a shock lead before the five minute mark thanks to a lethal free-kick link-up between Sebastien Berhalter and Chris Richards for the second time in the tournament. But Mexico all but took over the game from there, controlling the pressure and pinning the United States into their own half for large stretches until the dam finally broke just before the half-hour mark when Raúl Jiménez pulled El Tri level from close range. And while we looked all but set to head to extra-time after the two teams were locked in a stalemate deep in the second-half, the deadlock was broken on a set-piece by Edson Álvarez. Advertisement While his headed goal from close-range was originally ruled out for offsides, a VARA check revealed that the West Ham man was indeed onside and the goal was given to spark wild scenes of celebration inside NRG Stadium. While the U.S. pushed to force extra-time, their efforts were in vain as Javier Aguirre's side held on in relatively comfortable fashion to claim the trophy and become the first nation to win back-to-back Gold Cups since when they themselves last did it in 2011. 📸 Omar Vega - 2025 Getty Images
CNET
06-07-2025
- Sport
- CNET
USA vs. Mexico Livestream: How to Watch CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 Final Soccer From Anywhere
The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup reaches its climax in Texas on Sunday as the USA and Mexico face off for the eighth time in the final. Below, we'll outline the best live TV streaming services to watch every match of the tournament as it happens, wherever you are in the world. We'll also explain how to use a VPN if the match isn't available where you are, along with a full match list. The USA have beaten their fiercest rivals just twice in those encounters, and will be determined to as head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks to claim his first piece of silverware since taking charge of the USMT. Mexico meanwhile come into the match having edged past Honduras 1-0 in the semifinals, with Javier Aguirre's El Tri looking solid in defence, having not conceded a goal across the tournament's knockout stage so far. The USA takes on Mexico on Sunday, July 6, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET or 4 a.m. PT. That makes it a 12 a.m. BST start in the UK and a 9 a.m. AEST kickoff in Australia on Monday morning. Diego Luna scored a brace in the USA's 2-1 victory over Guatemala in the semifinals. John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images Livestream the USA vs. Mexico game in the US Sunday's game is on FOX. If you don't have cable, you still have plenty of options. The least expensive that doesn't require streaming is to connect an over-the-air antenna to your TV and watch via your local Fox station. If you're streaming on a PC, phone or tablet, you can watch on the Fox website You could also check out a live TV streaming service, all of which offer free trials. Not every service carries your local Fox station, however, so check the links below to make sure. How to watch the USA vs. Mexico game online from anywhere using a VPN If you're traveling abroad and want to keep up with all the FIFA Club World Cup soccer action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming. It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds. It can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security. However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN use to access region-specific content. If you're considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform's terms of service to ensure compliance. If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider's installation instructions, ensuring you're connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN use is crucial. James Martin/CNET ExpressVPN Best VPN for streaming Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year) Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 tests Network 3,000 plus servers in 105 countries Jurisdiction British Virgin Islands ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN that works on a variety of devices. It's normally $13 a month but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100, you'll get three months free and save 49%. That's the equivalent of $6.67 a month. Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. 61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months) See at Livestream the USA vs. Mexico match in the UK Broadcast rights in the UK for this game are with Premier Sports, with kick-off set for 12 a.m. BST in the early hours of Monday morning. This game will be shown exclusively live on Premier Sports 2 and Premier Sports Player. Premier Sports Premier Sports Watch international football in the UK from £10 A full Premier Sports subscription costs £10 per month for Sky and Virgin TV customers. You can also get Premier Sports through Amazon Prime Video as an add-on for £15 a month. A full subscription gives you access to all of the network's channels, which have the UK broadcast rights to La Liga and Scottish Premiership matches, BKT United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup rugby, plus NHL and Nascar. See at Premier Sports Livestream the USA vs. Mexico match in the Canada If you want to stream this Gold Cup clash live in Canada, you'll need to subscribe to FuboTV Canada or TSN. TSN TSN Plus Watch The Gold Cup Final for CA$20 a month TSN 4 and 5 will both being showing the match live, which also means you can stream the action via the network's online service TSN Plus. Alongside international soccer, the service boasts exclusive coverage of NFL games, F1, Nascar and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Ideal for cord-cutters, the service is priced at CA$20 a month or CA$200 a year. See at TSN Livestream the USA vs. Mexico game in Australia? Today's final will be shown Down Under on ESPN. That also means you'll be able to watch the game online via sports streaming service Kayo. Kayo Sports Kayo Sports Watch the Gold Cup final in Australia for AU$25 A Kayo Sports subscription starts at AU$25 a month and lets you stream on one screen, while its Premium tier costs AU$40 a month for simultaneous viewing on up to three devices. The service gives you access to a wide range of sports, including F1, NRL, NFL, NHL and MLB, and there are no lock-in contracts. Better still, if you're a new customer, you can take advantage of a one-week Kayo Sports free trial. See at Kayo Sports Quick tips for streaming CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 using a VPN
New Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
US-Mexico Gold Cup final will see World Cup co-hosts vying for validation
HOUSTON: When the United States and Mexico clash in today's Gold Cup final at NRG Stadium in Houston, far more than regional bragging rights will be at stake — the 2026 World Cup co-hosts desperately need to prove they belong on soccer's biggest stage, with the tournament less than a year away. The CONCACAF championship clash comes at a crucial time, with both teams having bypassed the challenging World Cup qualifying rounds — as they are already guaranteed a place — that typically prepare teams for football's grandest event. The stakes feel particularly weighty following setbacks at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Mexico crashed out in the group stage, while the United States fell to the Netherlands in the round of 16. The historic rivalry between the two North American neighbours has become the defining narrative of the Gold Cup. Of their seven title clashes since its inception in 1991, Mexico has won five. "El Tri" will aim to extend their dominance and avenge their 1–0 extra-time loss to the US in the 2021 final. The US, meanwhile, are eager to lift the trophy after missing out on a place in the CONCACAF Nations League final following their semi-final defeat to Panama in March. Mexico's manager, Javier Aguirre, understands what a potential victory would mean for the team. "Securing the title would give us momentum and show that the work we've done hasn't been meaningless," he told reporters on Thursday. "We've been sharp in training, the group is committed, and there's a strong sense of unity — almost like a family." Reaching the final represents a notable improvement for the US team under Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge in September and has orchestrated an unexpected journey despite missing around a dozen regulars. "This roster deserve massive credit to have reached the final," the former Chelsea manager said after Wednesday's 2-1 semi-final victory against Guatemala. Key absentees include AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, who requested time off, while Juventus' Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, plus Borussia Dortmund's Gio Reyna, were prevented from participating because Fifa prioritised the overlapping Club World Cup. For Mexican-American forward Diego Luna, who scored both goals against Guatemala, the match will carry special significance. "Growing up seeing the USA-Mexico games, to be able to play in one would be unreal," Luna told Fox Sports on Thursday.
USA Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
USMNT vs. Mexico: How to watch Gold Cup final, TV, live stream
The game everyone has been anticipating is here: the U.S. men's national team faces Mexico in the Gold Cup final in Houston on Sunday. Mexico is looking to win its record 10th Gold Cup and defend its title from 2023. The USMNT, meanwhile, is aiming for its eighth Gold Cup title and to recapture the crown that it won in 2021. Both teams have experienced some close calls at this Gold Cup, but each enters this final having won four and drawn one of their five matches (the USMNT defeated Costa Rica in a shootout after a draw over 90 minutes in the quarterfinal). Watch USMNT vs. Mexico on Prime Video Mexico will be considered the favorite heading into this match. Javier Aguirre's side reclaimed its place atop Concacaf by winning the Nations League in March and brings a mostly full-strength squad into this match. The USMNT, on the other hand, is still without a number of key faces who missed this tournament for various reasons. But several U.S. players have stepped up at this tournament, including Diego Luna and Malik Tillman, who have each scored three goals. Defender César Montes leads Mexico in goals this tournament with three, while 16-year-old playmaker Gilberto Mora and 34-year-old forward Raúl Jiménez teamed up for the winner against Honduras in the semifinal. These two teams most recently met in October, when Mexico defeated the USMNT 2-0 in a friendly in Guadalajara to snap a seven-game winless streak against its rival to the north. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game. How to watch USMNT vs. Mexico USMNT vs. Mexico prediction Mexico has found its groove defensively after conceding two goals in its opener against Dominican Republic, keeping clean sheets in each of its next four games. El Tri will be boosted by a partisan crowd and looks poised to capture another Concacaf title against a USMNT side that has been shaky at times this tournament. We say 2-0 Mexico. We recommend interesting sports viewing/streaming and betting opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage
