The United States and Mexico are set to clash in the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium in Houston. This will be the eighth Gold Cup final between the two North American rivals, with Mexico having won five of the previous seven. The match is scheduled for July 6, with coverage beginning at 6 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app.

Mexico enters the final as the reigning Gold Cup and Nations League champions, seeking to extend their record with a 10th Gold Cup title. They aim to be the first team to win consecutive Gold Cups since 2009 and 2011. In their semi-final match, Mexico secured a 1-0 victory over Honduras, demonstrating a solid defensive performance by limiting Honduras to minimal scoring opportunities. Key players for Mexico in the tournament include Cesar Jasib Montes Castro, who has scored three goals, Raul Jimenez with two goals, and Alexis Vega and Edson Omar Alvarez Velazquez, each contributing a goal and an assist. Notably, 16-year-old Hilberto Moda has emerged as a potential starter for the final, having provided an assist in the semi-final. Mexico has not conceded a goal in 383 minutes since their opening match against the Dominican Republic.

The United States reached their record 13th Gold Cup final after a 2-1 semi-final victory over Guatemala. Diego Luna and Malik Tillman have been instrumental for the U.S., sharing the team lead with three goals each. Tillman has played every minute of the tournament and leads the team in tackles, interceptions, and recoveries. Other key players for the U.S. include Maximilian Arfsten, who leads the team with three assists, and Patrick Agyemang, who has scored twice. Chris Richards has been a consistent presence in defense, playing almost every minute of the Gold Cup and contributing a goal against Saudi Arabia earlier in the tournament.

Several analysts consider Mexico the favorite for the final, highlighting their solid spine with Montes and Vasquez in defense, Edson Alvarez in front of the backline, and Raul Jimenez leading the attack. However, some note that the U.S. team might be underestimated, drawing parallels to the 2021 Gold Cup where the U.S., with a B team, defeated a near full-strength Mexico side. The U.S. also had a lopsided win in the group stage, 5-0 over Trinidad and Tobago.

The rivalry between the U.S. and Mexico is well-known, and this final adds another chapter to their history. Both teams will be each other's toughest opponent in the tournament.