Mexico defeated the United States 2–1 to secure a record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title.

HOUSTON, July 7 — Mexico edged out the United States 2-1 to retain the CONCACAF Gold Cup title, claiming a record-extending 10th championship in a thrilling final yesterday.

Captain Edson Álvarez sealed the comeback win with a decisive header in the 77th minute, following a typically intense clash between the North American rivals and 2026 World Cup co-hosts.

Mexico’s victory was well-earned after dominating large stretches of the game against a youthful and understrength USA squad led by Mauricio Pochettino, who entered the tournament without several key players.

Álvarez’s match-winner marked a poetic return to Houston, the city where he was forced to leave the field in tears during Mexico’s opening Copa America match last year due to injury.

“This is a very emotional moment for me,” said the West Ham midfielder. “Since arriving in Houston, I’ve been thinking about that heartbreak. I just asked life for one more joyful moment.”

The USA had a dream start in front of nearly 71,000 fans at NRG Stadium, taking the lead just four minutes in. Center-back Chris Richards powered home a header after Sebastian Berhalter’s well-placed free-kick unsettled the Mexican defense, the ball crashing in off the underside of the crossbar.

But Mexico soon took control of the first half. Sixteen-year-old rising star Gilberto Mora nearly equalized in the 24th minute with a curling effort that was saved by American goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Just three minutes later, Mexico found their equalizer. Marcel Ruiz delivered a precise pass to veteran forward Raúl Jiménez, who hammered an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Jiménez marked the goal with an emotional tribute, revealing a shirt bearing the name and number 20 of his late former Wolverhampton teammate, Diogo Jota—the Liverpool and Portugal forward who tragically died in a recent car crash in Spain.

“He was a great teammate during my time at Wolves,” Jiménez said. “We stayed in touch, shared many special moments, and played vital roles for the team. It’s heartbreaking to lose someone so close.”

Mexico continued to dominate the chances, with Freese twice denying strong efforts from Roberto Alvarado and Mora before halftime. The USA nearly retook the lead just before the break, but Alex Freeman’s header, following a mistake by goalkeeper Ángel Malagón, was blocked by the Mexico keeper’s face.

The second half mirrored the first, with Mexico pressing forward while the USA struggled to create clear chances.

The breakthrough came in the 77th minute when Johan Vázquez flicked on a free-kick, and Álvarez powered home the header. Though initially ruled offside, a VAR review confirmed the goal, sealing Mexico’s historic 10th Gold Cup title—three more than their American rivals.

“We’re obviously disappointed not to win,” said US captain Tim Ream. “We started well, but they got control in the latter part of the first half. We just lacked a bit of composure on the ball.”

— AFP