USA, Mexico Set For Eighth Gold Cup Final In Houston Ahead Of 2026 World Cup

The United States men's soccer team, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, will face Mexico in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final at Houston's NRG Stadium, marking their eighth meeting in a Gold Cup final. Pochettino emphasized that this match is a crucial opportunity for the U.S. to experience playing under pressure ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada, bypassing the usual qualification rounds. Despite missing several key players, including Christian Pulisic, the U.S. aims to win their eighth Gold Cup title, while Mexico seeks a record-extending 10th. Pochettino described reaching the final as the first step, with winning the trophy as the next goal, highlighting the importance of feeling the stress and pressure that will be present during the World Cup. The final is also seen as a vital stress test, especially as all future games before the World Cup will be friendlies without competitive stakes. Additionally, Pochettino expressed solidarity with the Texas communities affected by recent devastating floods, acknowledging the tragic situation ahead of the match.