Despite having one of the most promising runs in the CONCACAF Gold Cup this season, the USMNT fell short in its hopes of a majestic finish on the biggest stage as they dropped the final of the tournament to Mexico, 2-1. There wasn’t any magic this time, and it proved to be quite a stunning ending to one of the game’s most enjoyable moments.

This young squad of talented players is all battling to represent the United States at the highest level, and there’s no denying that it was a massive run that they have managed before losing out in the final. So far, there’s still more to expect from USMNT as they strive to put up more aggressiveness in their games, but Mauricio Pochettino’s squad deserves a lot of praise for their success in this game.

Looking ahead, this Gold Cup served not only as a challenge but a wake-up call. The US now heads into September friendlies and, eventually, the World Cup year energized by lessons learned in both personnel and strategic play. The question is whether Mexico’s victory will fuel the US to tighten up mentally and tactically in 2026.

Not Much of a Big Loss

Ultimately, this wasn’t just a loss. It was a vital growth experience. The sting of runner-up may stick now, but the foundation it built through hard lessons and emerging talent could define this group at the 2026 World Cup.

First, credit where it’s due. Chris Richards gave Pochettino’s team a dream start, heading in a Sebastian Berhalter set-piece in the 4th minute, right in front of a roaring crowd at the NRG Stadium. On paper, it was a textbook beginning to what could have been a US triumph.

But Mexico’s response was fierce. Raúl Jiménez equalized in the 27th minute after capitalizing on defensive lapses from Tim Ream and Alex Freeman. From there, El Tri controlled the tempo, posting 60 percent possession and outshooting the US 16 to 6, including 12 corners to none for the Americans.

The match’s turning point came deep in the second half. A handball by Jorge Sánchez in the US box went uncalled, and VAR also allowed Edson Álvarez’s header to stand after an initial offside flag in the 77th minute, giving Mexico the lead they would not relinquish. Pochettino was candid in his frustration: calling the officiating “embarrassing” and saying, “if that happened in the opposite box, for sure it’s a penalty”.

This defeat stings, especially given the context – but it’s far from pointless. In the days since, both Pochettino and analysts have highlighted positives: resilience, tactical cohesion, and the emergence of new contributors like Sebastian Berhalter and goalkeeper Matt Freese.

New Faces for the USMNT

Sebastian Berhalter, in particular, has stepped into the spotlight. His free‑kick delivery led to the opening goal, and his overall midfield performance, especially on set pieces, suggests he could be a pivotal piece heading into the 2026 World Cup.

Of equal significance: this tournament has injected fierce internal competition into the player pool. Chris Richards and Tim Ream have solidified the center-back spots, while young standouts like Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten, Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, Luca de la Torre, and Freese are now firmly in the mix.

Pochettino’s message is clear: no roster spot is handed out. It’s all about who embraces this culture of competitiveness and commitment – a shift from relying on household names like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna, many of whom skipped the summer tournament.