USA defeats Mexico 2-0 and clinches Nations League title for the third time

• Mexico aimed to outdo the United States.
• Jaime Lozano spearheaded the Tri.
• Both teams hungered for glory.

Tyler Adams opened the scoring just before halftime, and Gio Reyna added another in the second half as the United States defeated Mexico 2-0 on Sunday.

With this victory, the USA clinched the CONCACAF Nations League title for the third consecutive time.

In his first start in over a year for club or country, Adams found the net in the 45th minute after receiving a pass from Weston McKennie following a corner kick.

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THE RESULTS ARE KNOWN

From approximately 35 meters out, the Bournemouth midfielder struck a sublime right-footed shot that found the bottom left corner, evading the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Reyna sealed the victory in the 63rd minute with another right-footed effort, capitalizing on a series of rebounds following a cross into the area by Christian Pulisic.

The United States showcased the prowess of its individual players and extended its unbeaten streak against Mexico to seven matches—comprising five wins and two draws—since a loss in a friendly in September 2019.

Canadian referee Drew Fisher halted the game twice in the final stages due to homophobic chants from the fans.

‘TRI’ COACH TOLD THE TRUTH

With a notable majority of Mexican supporters at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup, the attendance reached 59,471 spectators.

In the third-place match, Jamaica secured a 1-0 victory over Panama.

Right back Dexter Lembikisa scored the goal for the Caribbean team in the 41st minute.

The Mexican team had been unable to defeat the Americans in their last six encounters, including the final of this tournament a couple of years ago and the semi-final a year ago when they suffered a 3-0 loss.

MEXICO AND USA

«On a historical level, they are the team to beat, and we are theirs. We cannot deny it or sweep it under the rug because it’s the final that we’ve all been expecting—a match that perhaps we’re anticipating even more than they are,» said Tri coach Jaime Lozano on Saturday.

These statements were made ahead of the clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

«It’s a chance for sporting redemption. We haven’t been able to demonstrate our true abilities against them for a while.»

Mexico, once the most dominant team in the region, has seen its standing decline in recent years against the United States, whom they haven’t defeated since their encounter in a friendly match in New Jersey in September 2019.

«MEXICO WAS EXPECTED TO BE THE WINNER»

«It’s a formidable opponent that has significantly improved in recent years,» added Lozano.

«Undoubtedly, it’s the classic matchup of our region. We come with the aspiration of delivering an outstanding performance and contending for the trophy. We believe that the third time will be the charm.»

The defeat in last year’s semifinals deeply affected the Mexican leadership.

Less than a week after that, they sacked Argentine coach Diego Cocca and appointed Lozano as his replacement.

THE MATCH

«This is a team that isn’t content with merely reaching the final.»

To progress towards its goal, Mexico had its most crucial players available.

The only exclusion was winger Julián Araujo, who is injured.

The USA enters the match after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Jamaica.

THE FINAL

He achieved it thanks to a dramatic own goal that forced extra time, during which Haji Wright scored a brace.

The team led by Greg Berhalter will receive a boost from the return of PSV Eindhoven defender Sergiño Dest, who was absent against Jamaica due to suspension.

«We need to be courageous and give it our all because it’s a final, and we’re just one step away from making history and winning this cup for the first time. The players are aware of it, and they’ll give that extra effort because it’s a classic,» added Lozano.

«We just need to maintain emotional stability, keep our focus on collective goals, and hopefully, things will turn out for the best.»