Overview

• Mexico rallied from an early deficit to beat the USMNT 2-1 at Houston’s NRG Stadium, with Edson Álvarez’s VAR-awarded header securing a record 10th Gold Cup title.
• Missing key players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson, the U.S. opened the scoring through Chris Richards but faltered after halftime.
• Frustrated by a clear handball non-call and VAR delays, Pochettino publicly called the referees’ performance “embarrassing.”
• MLS-based talents Malik Tillman, Diego Luna, Sebastian Berhalter and goalkeeper Matt Freese delivered breakout performances that strengthened World Cup roster debates.
• Between September and March, eight international friendlies will allow Pochettino to evaluate both veteran regulars and emerging prospects ahead of co-hosting in 2026.