Handball No-Call Mars Mexico Gold Cup Win

Mexico defeated the U.S. men's national team 2-1 in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final, with controversy centering on a no-call handball by Mexican defender Jorge Sánchez in the second half. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino criticized referee Mario Escobar for not awarding a penalty and suggested that officiating was influenced by the pro-Mexico crowd, arguing that a similar incident in Mexico's box would have been penalized. The decision, upheld after VAR review, drew frustration from fans and analysts who felt the USMNT was denied a fair chance. Mexico’s winning goal by Edson Álvarez, initially ruled offside, was confirmed after review, securing their record 10th Gold Cup title. Although Mexico outplayed the U.S. statistically, controversy over key decisions overshadowed the match. The incident highlighted persistent issues with handball interpretation and officiating in major soccer tournaments.