Mexico and the United States are playing for Concacaf supremacy in the Gold Cup final.
The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final ended in controversy on Sunday as the United States lost 2-1 to Mexico. U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino didn’t hold back, blaming key refereeing decisions for his team’s defeat. The loss marked Mexico’s 10th Gold Cup title and second consecutive championship win.
VAR Decision Sparks Controversy
One of the most talked-about moments came in the 77th minute. Edson Álvarez scored the go-ahead goal for Mexico from a free kick situation that U.S. players and staff strongly disagreed with. The goal had initially been ruled offside, but VAR overturned the decision. This reversal turned the tide of the match and gave Mexico the edge.
Pochettino criticized the officials for allowing the goal to stand, saying such decisions wouldn't be accepted if roles were reversed.
“If this happened to Mexico, the stadium would be on fire,” Pochettino said. “But for us? We’re just ‘nice guys.’”
Penalty Claim Ignored
Another flashpoint came in the 67th minute. Mexican defender Jorge Sánchez appeared to use his hand while falling in the penalty box. Pochettino insisted it was a clear handball and should have resulted in a penalty for the U.S.
“He pushed the ball down with his hand. That’s a penalty, no question,” Pochettino emphasized.
The referee, Mario Escobar from Guatemala, waved play on, and the incident went unreviewed by VAR.
Diego Luna Foul Under Fire
The free kick that led to Álvarez’s goal came after Diego Luna was whistled for fouling Alexis Vega. Pochettino called it a mistake, claiming Vega simply lost his footing.
“He slipped and fell on his own,” the coach said.
From the resulting free kick, Johan Vásquez flicked the ball across goal, and Álvarez finished from close range—ultimately sealing Mexico’s victory.
U.S. Players Voice Frustration
U.S. defender Chris Richards, who opened the scoring in the 4th minute, also voiced his displeasure. He referenced Sánchez’s handball, comparing it to an NBA move.
“Palmed it like Shaq,” Richards said. “In any other match, that’s a clear penalty.”
He also criticized the apparent foul by César Montes, who appeared to block him during the free kick.
“We’re always one step behind with CONCACAF referees,” he added. “That’s CONCACAF for you—they hate us.”
VAR History with Mexico
Pochettino also pointed to previous matches involving Mexico in the same tournament. In a group-stage clash with Costa Rica, Santiago Giménez had a stoppage-time goal overturned by VAR. Similarly, in the semifinal against Honduras, Álvarez had a goal ruled out for offside after video review.
Given this trend, Pochettino felt Sunday’s call should have gone against Mexico too.
“You’ve already disallowed two goals in this tournament. Why not a third?” he asked. “This one was clear.”
No Grudge Against Mexico
Despite his harsh words for the officials, Pochettino made it clear he held no ill feelings toward Mexico.
“If we lose fairly, no problem,” he said. “I respect Mexico. This isn’t about them—it’s about officiating.”
He insisted his players gave everything and deserved better treatment.
“I’m not crying or making excuses,” he added. “But this was embarrassing. My players didn’t deserve that.”
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Gold Cup final will be remembered as much for its controversy as its football. As the debate over VAR and refereeing standards in CONCACAF continues, U.S. fans and players are left wondering what could have been—with Pochettino leading the charge for accountability.
