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yesterday

USMNT Brace for Hostile Houston Atmosphere in Gold Cup Final

Coach Mauricio Pochettino is relying on veteran leadership to instill belief in a youthful roster that will face a sea of Mexico supporters.

U.S. goalkeeper Matthew Freese (25) celebrats with defender Walker Zimmerman (5) during a semifinal match of the 2025 Gold Cup at Energizer Park.
Jul 3, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; A detail view of the Gold Cup Trophy at NASA Space Center Houston. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images/File Photo
Diego Luna, Tyler Adams, Raul Jimenez Gold Cup

Overview

  • The U.S. and Mexico will meet at Houston’s NRG Stadium on July 6 for their eighth Gold Cup final, with the U.S. chasing an eighth title and Mexico seeking a tenth.
  • Pochettino views the match as a pivotal chance to rebuild team confidence before co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.
  • Veterans Walker Zimmerman and Tim Ream have been mentoring younger players on handling intense rivalry atmospheres and navigating crowds where Mexico fans may outnumber U.S. supporters by about four to one.
  • Defender Alex Freeman said the semifinal against Guatemala in St. Louis provided a valuable preview of the louder, more partisan environment they expect in Houston.
  • Christian Pulisic’s absence from the squad has reignited debate over USMNT’s depth and strategic roster decisions.