When the United States and Mexico collide in the Gold Cup -Final on Sunday at the NRG Stadium in Houston, much more than regional bragging at stake -the Co -Gastheren of 2026 must desperately prove that they belong on the largest stage of football, with the tournament less than a year away.
The Concacaf championship conflict comes at a crucial time, in which both teams have circumvented the challenging world cup qualification rounds, because they are already guaranteed a place that usually prepares teams for the largest event of football.
The deployment feels particularly heavy after setbacks on the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Mexico crashed into the group stage, while the United States fell to the Netherlands in the round of 16.
The historic rivalry between the two North -American neighbors has become the determining story of the Gold Cup. Mexico won five of their seven title collisions since its foundation.
“El Tri” will strive to expand their dominance and to avenge their 1-0 extra-time loss to the US in the final of 2021.
In the meantime, the US is happy to lift the trophy after they have missed a place in the Concacaf Nations League final after their semi-final defeat against Panama in March.
Competitive test
The manager of Mexico, Javier Aguirre, understands what a potential victory would mean for the team.
“Securing the title would give our momentum and show that the work we did has not been useless,” he told reporters on Thursday. “We have been sharp in training, the group has been committed and there is a strong sense of unity, almost like a family.”
Achieving the final represents a remarkable improvement for the American team under Mauricio Pochettino, who took the lead in September and orchestrated an unexpected journey despite the missing of about a dozen tribal guests.
“This schedule deserves massive credit to reach the final,” said the former Chelsea manager after the 2-1 semi-final victory against Guatemala.
Important absents include AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, who asked for free time, while Juventus' Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, Plus Borussia Dortmund's Gio Reyna, were prevented from taking part in priority to the overlapping club World Cup.
For the Mexican-American attacker Diego Luna, who scored both goals against Guatemala, the match will have special meaning.
“Growing up with seeing the USA-Mexico games, it would be unreal to play in one,” Luna told FOX Sports on Thursday.
Sunday's final serves as the ultimate rehearsal of dresses before both countries are central next year in the largest world cup ever-a historical tournament that will extend across North America, with Canada as the third fellow guest.
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