Team USA and Mexico both had to huff and puff in the semifinals, but they each advanced to set up a tantalizing final in the 2025 Gold Cup on Sunday night. The Stars and Stripes went up by two goals early on Guatemala, but they were put on their toes by an 80th-minute goal by Olger Escobar.

Concacaf Gold Cup is reaching its climax, with Mexico facing the USMNT for the championship on Sunday, July 6. Despite their impressive performances, neither team's players lead in scoring. Instead, a surprise contender is emerging as the tournament's potential top scorer.

When the United States and Mexico clash in Sunday's Gold Cup final at NRG Stadium in Houston, far more than regional bragging rights will be at stake — the 2026 World Cup co-hosts desperately need to prove they belong on soccer's biggest stage,