USMNT Loss to Mexico in Gold Cup 2025 Bracket Final Disappoints Fans

The U.S. Men's National Team came up short in the Gold Cup Final on Sunday, losing to Mexico 2-1.

A tight game all the way through, Mexico had just enough to leave NRG Stadium in Houston with a win.

The United States got off to an early start when Chris Richards found the back of the net in the fourth minute.

Raúl Jiménez responded for Mexico in the 27th minute before setting up a defensive battle for much of the game.

There was controversy near the midway point in the second half, as there was a no-call on a potential handball by Mexico in the box:

After a scoreless start to the second half, Mexico finally took the lead in the 77th minute. Edson Álvarez's goal was initially ruled offside, but was called a good goal after the review.

The United States had a handful of decent looks in the final minutes, but ultimately couldn't even things up.

Fans were disappointed after the USMNT came up short in the biggest moment in the tournament.

Though the United States didn't have its best effort on Sunday, the team still has a year to tune up before it tries to make a deep run in the World Cup on its own soil. The USMNT was also without top players like Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and more. It's fair to assume it will look like a different squad once the mainstays of the roster return.

Still, it's hard not to be disappointed with Sunday's result.