Mexico has advanced to the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final after a 1-0 victory over Honduras in the semi-final match held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Wednesday.
Raul Jimenez scored the lone goal in the 50th minute, assisted by 16-year-old Gilberto Mora. Mora delivered a pass to Jiménez near the top of the box, who then beat Honduran goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar with a right-footed shot, marking Jimenez's 42nd international goal.
Mexico appeared to increase their lead shortly after, with Edson Alvarez scoring off a set piece, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside ruling after video review. Despite the disallowed goal, Mexico maintained their lead, preventing Honduras from equalizing. Honduras had reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2013, despite a 6-0 loss to Canada in their tournament opener. Their last final appearance was in 1991, where they lost to the United States in a penalty shootout.
The first half saw limited scoring opportunities. Mexican goalie Luis Malagon made a save on Dixon Ramirez's shot. Mexico had a couple of chances late in the first half, with Johan Vasquez's shot deflecting off a Honduran defender into the hands of Menjívar, who also made a save against Marcel Ruiz.
Mexico, ranked No. 17, will now face the United States in the final. This will be the eighth time the two countries have met in the title game, with Mexico holding a 5-2 advantage. Mexico has won nine Gold Cups, while the U.S. has seven and Canada has one. The final is scheduled for July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. This will be the first Gold Cup Final to be held in Houston. NRG Stadium is also set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The United States advanced to the final after defeating Guatemala in a penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw. The semi-finals saw other dramatic outcomes, with Honduras defeating Panama 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, and Guatemala also advancing past Canada in a penalty shootout.
The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup includes 16 teams. The tournament began on June 14, 2025, and is being co-hosted by Canada and the United States. The venues are primarily in the Western United States to avoid conflicts with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament will be broadcast on FOX, FS1, and FS2.
