HOUSTON — The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup ended Sunday evening with Mexico beating america Males’s Nationwide Staff 2-1 at sold-out NRG Stadium.
Thirty-one video games, 16 groups and one momentous match at the moment are within the rearview for the North American area. With the World Cup coming to america, Canada and Mexico in 2026 — and thus placing an additional highlight on Concacaf’s groups — listed here are takeaways from this vital match:
Mexico, United States are nonetheless the highest groups within the area, however critical competitors is on the best way
2025 was Mexico’s twelfth Gold Cup remaining and the USMNT’s thirteenth. The groups have lengthy been Concacaf’s best choices to the worldwide stage, and this summer time proved they nonetheless are, even amid rebuilds after their disastrous performances within the Copa America in 2024.
It’s a strong achievement for each side, however they received’t be alone on the high for lengthy. Guatemala entered this match within the triple digits of FIFA’s world rankings and almost earned itself a deserved spot within the remaining. Costa Rica is lastly a contender below Mexican coach Miguel Herrera. And Panama, eradicated within the quarterfinals on a heartbreaking penalty shootout, can lay declare to being the strongest defensive group within the area.
The 2026 World Cup will characteristic extra Concacaf groups than any earlier version of the match, and the timing couldn’t be extra fortuitous. This area has loads of expertise to ship to the world’s largest stage.
Canada’s rise won’t be the foregone conclusion many thought
Few nationwide groups have made extra progress up to now decade than Canada. Les Rouges went from regional also-rans to trophy contenders in 5 years because of sturdy participant recruitment and glorious teaching from John Herdman and Jesse Marsch. Canada entered this 2025 Gold Cup hungry to win it.
