Mexico vs Honduras: ‘Very emotional’ Aguirre claims playing USA ‘doesn’t matter’ in 2025 Gold Cup final
Each of the last seven Gold Cup titles have alternated between Mexico and the USA
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has said his players will “do our job” in the 2025 Gold Cup final against the USA after beating Honduras to set up the latest episode in the rivalry between the two most successful teams in the history of the competition.
Fulham forward Raul Jimenez stuck the only goal of the game after a dazzling run from 16-year-old winger Gilberto Mora as El Tri won 1-0 at California’s Levi’s Stadium, where Edson Alvarez had a second Mexico goal ruled out for offside.
“I understand the background but, ultimately, we’ll do our job against the United States and go out to win,” said Aguirre, who won the 2009 Gold Cup as part of the second of his three spells in charge.
“I see Mexico players with a desire to transcend and help their team-mates. I’d say it doesn’t matter who our opponents are.”
GOLD CUP FINAL BOUND!
We defeated Honduras and will defend our title in the Grand Final. .
Let’s go! #PorMéxicoTodo pic.twitter.com/shb67KNle2
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) July 3, 2025
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Gold Cup final 2025: Mexico ‘convinced’ vs USA
Holders Mexico have taken the title nine times, while the showpiece will be a record 13th final for 2021 champions the USA, who lost the fixture 2-0 in a friendly in October but won the previous two competitive meetings between the teams.
“They had lost several games,” said Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagon, reflecting on their most recent encounter.
“Above all, we are the reigning champions, so we have to try to take care of that part and make sure the trophy still belongs to us.
“We are very, very convinced that we can do more, especially because this is the last official tournament for us [before co-hosting the 2026 Fifa World Cup].
“After this, it’s all just friendlies – we’re aware of that and want to go for more, to try to win and bring joy to our people who are always supporting us.”
Honduras ‘had a lot at stake’ vs Mexico
Mexico have won five of the seven editions of the final to be contested between the teams, although the USA’s 2021 triumph came with a 1-0 victory against them after extra time.
“It’s the most awesome thing that can happen to a player, especially in my first call-up to the national team,” said 21-year-old Mexico left-back Mateo Chavez.
“It’s one of the most beautiful things that has happened to me in my career and we’re up against great opponents. It will be a great match. It’s a nice challenge to live it now.
“Honduras had a lot at stake and came out to beat us and give everything for their country. We were up to par and put in the effort. When it was time to score, we scored and when it was time to play, we were at the level required.”
Rivals meet again pic.twitter.com/vOoxQszKeE
— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) July 3, 2025
Julian Araujo: Mexico vs USA ‘dream’
Fellow defender Julian Araujo played for the USA at youth and senior level but was not included in their 2021 Gold Cup side while he considered making a switch to Mexico.
The California-born 23-year-old, who made his debut for his new country in 2021, praised Aguirre. “He’s prepared us well, he trusts us all, we’re all on the same page and we have to continue like this,” added Araujo.
“We are motivated, confident and have one more game against the United States. We have to win it.
“It’s very special – my dream was to play in a final against the United States representing Mexico.”
Diego Luna, who scored both of the USA’s goals in their 2-1 semi-final win over Guatemala, could have made the same move because the forward is of Mexican descent.
“He made his decisions based on what he wanted, from his heart,” said Bournemouth’s Araujo. “I’m focused on my team-mates – my team, my brothers.
“I was training really hard because I knew that at some point it was going to be my turn and I had to be ready.”
Mexico Gold Cup squad
Aguirre praised his players and noted the 23-year age difference between Tijuana’s Mora and substitute goalkeeper Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa.
“I chose not on age or experience, but because of mentality,” reflected the 66-year-old. “This kid is 16 and Memo is 39 and has the same mentality – they are winners, competitive and train intensely.
“When I saw the number of fans with Mexican flags, it made me very emotional. I’m getting old, but that’s what I liked most.
“You can lose or draw, and there are factors you can’t control, such as a pass going short, a shot hitting a post, a referee disallowing a goal or a goalkeeper making a mistake.
“It’s inherent to the game. But I’m happy that the fans want to come and the players are giving the fans what they want to see.”
USA vs Mexico: When is the Gold Cup 2025 final?
The final takes place at Houston’s NRG Stadium on Sunday, starting at 19:00 PT or 16:00 ET. Canada’s sole victory in 2000 makes them the only other team to have been champions.