Overview

• The teams meet for an eighth Gold Cup final, with Mexico leading their championship head-to-head 5–2 and chasing its 10th title against the US’s bid for an eighth.
• US coach Mauricio Pochettino has leaned on emerging talents Diego Luna and Malik Tillman to fill gaps left by regulars such as Christian Pulisic.
• Veterans Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman have prepared the inexperienced US roster to embrace the hostile, pro-Mexico atmosphere expected in Houston.
• Both nations view Sunday’s match as a vital high-pressure scenario ahead of their automatic qualification and co-hosting duties at next summer’s World Cup.
• Mexico booked its spot with a 1-0 semifinal win over Honduras, while the US advanced after a 2-1 victory against Guatemala on July 2.