The stage is officially set for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final: Mexico and the United States will go head-to-head once again in what will be their eighth meeting in a Gold Cup final. Mexico secured their spot with a narrow 1-0 win over Honduras, while the U.S. overcame Guatemala 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal match.
This classic rivalry, set to unfold in Houston on July 6, sees Mexico holding a 5-2 edge in previous Gold Cup finals. The upcoming showdown promises to be another chapter in a long-standing football saga between the two North American giants.
Jiménez the Hero as Mexico Advances
Mexico secured their spot in the final thanks to a second-half goal from veteran striker Raúl Jiménez. In the 50th minute, 16-year-old prodigy Mora set up the match-winner after receiving a pass from Vega near the edge of the box. Mora threaded a perfect ball to Jiménez, who coolly slotted it past Honduran keeper Menjívar with his right foot.
The goal marked Jiménez’s 42nd international strike and showcased his composure and clinical finishing in big moments.
Just minutes later, Mexico thought they had doubled their lead when Edson Álvarez found the net from a free-kick, but VAR ruled the goal offside. Despite the near miss, Mexico’s lead held strong until the final whistle.
“We earned this victory. It was deserved,” Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre said through a translator after the match. “The players followed the plan and executed perfectly.”
Mexico’s Defence Remains Unbreakable
Mexico’s backline has been rock-solid throughout the tournament, now going 383 minutes without conceding a goal. Remarkably, goalkeeper Luis Malagón has only been called upon to make a single save in the last three matches, a routine stop from outside the box during the first half against Honduras.
Despite a shaky start to their Gold Cup campaign, including a 6-0 defeat to Canada, Honduras managed to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2013, earning respect for their resilience. But against Mexico’s composed and disciplined defence, their dream run came to an end.
Luna’s Brace Lifts USA Over Guatemala
In the other semifinal, 21-year-old winger Diego Luna stole the spotlight in St. Louis with two goals that propelled the United States to a 2-1 victory over Guatemala.
Luna opened the scoring in the 4th minute after Torre’s initial shot was blocked. The Real Salt Lake forward was quick to react and drove the rebound into the net.
He followed up with a stunning solo effort in the 15th minute, collecting the ball in midfield, gliding past defenders, and unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box to double the U.S. lead.
Luna, who rose from the lower-tier leagues in Texas, has been a breakout star for the U.S. in this tournament. His standout performances are boosting his chances of making the senior squad for the 2026 World Cup.
“Every guy on this team shares the same dream, to wear this jersey and represent the country,” Luna said post-match. “We’re just trying to make the most of every opportunity.”
Guatemala’s Late Push Falls Short
Guatemala managed to pull one back in the 80th minute when Ordóñez burst into the box and found 18-year-old Escobar, who was born in Boston, for the finish. But the comeback came too late, and the U.S. held on to secure a spot in the final.
Despite the loss, Guatemala’s run to the semifinals was one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories. Making it to the knockout stage for the first time in over a decade, they proved they belong on the big stage.
Now, all eyes turn to Houston, where the two regional powerhouses will meet once again with everything on the line. Mexico holds a record nine Gold Cup titles, while the U.S. follows closely with seven. The only other nation to lift the trophy is Canada, which won in 2000.
With a long history of fierce battles and passionate fan bases on both sides, this final promises to deliver fireworks.
