Gold Cup 2025 – Inside World Football

US and Mexico Gold Cup final draws best-ever audience

Andy Elliott — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:37:22 +0000

July 10 – Sometimes failure is more compelling than success, a fact US broadcasting giant Fox can now attest to after it saw its Concacaf Gold Cup final numbers boom, with viewers tuning in to watch the US Men’s National Team’s latest capitulation.

With 3.73 million viewers tuning in, the 2-1 Mexican win was the highest English-language audience for a Gold Cup final in the network’s history.

That’s more than triple the 1.1 million who bothered watching Mexico beat Panama in 2023,

The 2025 Gold Cup by numbers

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:58:55 +0000

July 10 – The 2025 Gold Cup will go down as one of the most competitive and evenly matched finals tournaments in Gold Cup history. Of the 31 matches played, 24 were decided by single goal.

Nine matches finished as a draw. In the quarter finals three of the four match-ups were decided by a penalty shoot-out.

The increase in playing standards across the region has been attributed to the increased number of competitive international players nations play in the Concacaf Nations League.

The post The 2025 Gold Cup by numbers appeared first on Inside World Football.

Mexico dominate USA to retain their Gold Cup title

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 01:50:15 +0000

Mexico 2 USA 1

July 6 – In front of a sold-out crowd of 70,925 in the NRG Stadium in Houston, Mexico beat the USA 2-1 to win the 2025 Gold Cup.

The USA scored took an early lead in the 4th minute with a goal from Chris Richards, but Mexico regained parity 20 minutes later through Raul Jimenez in a match they dominated in front of their baying support.

NRG Stadium sold out for Gold Cup final

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:15:34 +0000

July 6 – Concacaf has announced that today’s 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium, Houston, between the United States and Mexico, is sold out.

The 70,000 sell-out pushes attendance in the knockout stages to more that 250,000.

Breaking the attendances down more than 140,000 fans watched semifinals on July 2 at Energizer Park in St. Louis, MO, and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, as well as the Quarterfinals on June 28 and 29 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale,

The post NRG Stadium sold out for Gold Cup final appeared first on Inside World Football.

Gold Cup sell outs break attendance records all the way to the final

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 03:32:03 +0000

July 4 – With just three days to go before the final of the 2025 Gold Cup in the NRG Stadium in Houston, Concacaf is reporting that there are less than 4,000 tickets left for the 72,200 capacity stadium that will host Mexico and the USA.

The attendance is on course to break the record for the largest attendance at a football match in Houston, the previous highest being a Copa America clash between Argentina and the USA.

Mexico secure final slot on a pulsating San Jose evening

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 20:36:01 +0000

Mexico 1 Honduras 0

July 2 – The question on the lips of pundits and fans at Levi Stadium, Santa Clara, was “would tonight be business as usual or unusual business?” as Mexico and Honduras met for the right to face the United States in the Concacaf Gold Cup Final on Sunday in Houston.

After 90 pulsating minutes, it would be the former, as Mexico did what they usually do in an exciting,

Diego’s double sends US into final, ending Guate’s dream run

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:42:56 +0000

USA 2 Guatemala 1

July 2 – The USA hung on to beat Guatemala on a hot, steamy and passionate night in the Energiser Stadium in St Louis with two goals from the irrepressible Diego Luna.

The USA have looked stronger and more composed as the tournament has progressed. Mauricio Pochettino has at last imposed his plan on this team, and without the six or seven of its brightest starts,

Pochettino happy with USA’s new-found ‘fight’ but wary of the Guatemala challenge

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:02:37 +0000

July 2 – Having looked like a team that were struggling to find any cohesion or common purpose after four straight losses, including a miserable performance in March at the Concacaf Nations League final, suddenly the USA look as though, if not the real deal, they are certainly worth a reappraisal.

Tonight the USA, fresh from their emotionally charged quarter final penalty shot-out win over Costa Rica, meet tournament surprise package Guatemala at the aptly name Energiser Park in St Louis,

USA clinch last four slot with penalty win over Costa Rica

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:02:35 +0000

USA 2 Costa Rica 2 (USA win 4-3 on pens)

June 29 – You’d hate to use the word ‘sterile’ to describe a Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-final, but following the drama and passion of Guatemala versus Canada, it all felt a little flat as the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and Costa Rica kicked off for the right to face Guatemala in St. Louis. After 90 minutes and the drama of penalty kicks,

Guatemala dump man-down Canada in penalty shoot-out

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:01:41 +0000

Canada 1 – Guatemala 1 (5-6 after pens)

June 29 – The Canadian fans were taking their boycott of Donald Trump’s immigration policies to heart at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, as the lack of red flags was in stark contrast to the blue and white festival that Guatemala brought to the Concacaf quarter-final tie in an epic contest that would be settled by Guatemala with the drama of penalty kicks.

Mexico find the way to San Jose despite Saudi road blocks

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 04:24:07 +0000

June 28 – Mexico made hard work of overcoming Saudi Arabia 2-0 to book their place in the Gold Cup semi-final. Second half goals from Alexis Vega and Santiago Gimenez secured the win against the Gold Cup guests.

Outside the temperature at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale Arizona had cooled to a balmy 104 degrees for the 7.15pm kick off. Inside 45,255 mainly Mexican fans turned up to roar on their nation who are seeking to retain their title for what would be the tenth time they won the Gold Cup.

Honduras stun Panama with penalty shoot-out win for spot in semi-finals

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:03:09 +0000

June 28 – Honduras stunned a shell-shocked Panama, coming back from a goal down to force a penalty shoot-out and claim the first spot in the semi-finals. Outside the covered State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the temperature had hit 108 degrees. Inside the emotional seesaw of this game reached a similar high pitch.

It was Carlos Pineda who hammered in the sixth Honduran penalty to make it 5-4 after Eduardo Guerrero had hit his over the bar.

Gold Cup’s breakthrough strikers make case for Golden Boot and glory

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:50:11 +0000

June 27 – The Gold Cup 2025 has been the showcase for a number of forwards to make their case for international recognition and potential moves to Europe’s big leagues as they chase the Golden Boot for the competition’s top scorer.

The list of leading scorers at the end of the group stage is a mix of players who have been present before but only now making a major breakthrough, and exciting young players making a mark for the first time.

Panama-Honduras in Glendale and Canada-Guatemala in Minnesota complete Gold Cup quarter final line-up

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:31:23 +0000

June 25 – The Gold Cup quarter-final line-up was completed yesterday with Panama vs Honduras being scheduled for the State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Saturday June 28.

They will be the first match on before reigning champions Mexico face tournament guests Saudi Arabia.

The following day (Sunday June 29), at the U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Canada will face Guatemala before the USA meet Costa Rica, the pick of the quarter final match-ups.

El Salvador self destruct in Houston as Canada Marsch on

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 02:30:47 +0000

Canada 2-0 El Salvador

June 24 – Fresh from emerging from a Concacaf-imposed timeout, Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch returned to the technical area at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, knowing any more misbehaviour would send him back to the naughty room. He needn’t have worried as their opponents El Salvador simply imploded in a red mist.

With multiple qualification scenarios available to all four teams in Group B,

Added time drama secures Honduras quarter final slot over battling Curaçao

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 02:18:02 +0000

Honduras 2 Curaçao 0

June 24 – In a winner-takes-all prize fight at the PayPal Park in San Jose, California, Honduras put the memory of their horrific opening game behind them to qualify for the quarrter finals and a meeting with Guatemala at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

But this was no easy task for them in a contest that ebbed and flowed with both sides having chances to put the tie away and a frantic crescendo that in added time saw Curaçao blow a golden chance to win,

Diaz hat-trick secures Panama progress, sending Jamaica home

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 02:02:36 +0000

June 24 – With the afternoon sun dropping in Austin, Texas, Panama put an end to Jamaica’s Gold Cup challenge with a composed performance and three goals from standout forward Ismael Diaz.

Jamaica will have better days, and with a bit more luck could have had a better evening, but they need to take more of their opportunities in front of goal and find a way to control midfield.

Even without injured Adelberto Carrasquilla,

Los Chapines hold their nerve

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 01:08:51 +0000

Guatemala 3-2 Guadeloupe

June 24 – Other than defending Gold Cup champions Mexico, the biggest draw to the tournament to date has been Guatemala, and once again their fans came out in their thousands, creating a brilliant atmosphere at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston as they beat Guadeloupe 3-2 in an enthralling contest.

Los Chapines came into this match knowing that a win would guarantee them passage to the knockout rounds.

The post Los Chapines hold their nerve appeared first on Inside World Football.

Mexico and Saudi Arabia to headline in Glendale, USA face Costa Rica test in Minneapolis

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:00:53 +0000

June 23 – Mexico will headline the first Gold Cup quarter-final double header against tournament guests Saudi Arabia at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday night (June 28).

The USA will top the bill at the U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, against Costa Rica the following day.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side started strong with 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago but subsequently faded against Saudi Arabia and Haiti. However,

Marsch cleared to return pitchside as Canada look to resume normal service

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 01:00:15 +0000

June 23 – Jesse Marsch has been cleared to resume duty on the touchline for Canada’s final Gold Cup group game at the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston tonight.

Marsch was serving a two-match ban following his red card in Canada’s third-place match at the Nations League finals against the US in March where he refused to leave the pitch and was abusive towards match officials.

The first match of that ban was served in Canada’s opening thrashing of Honduras in Group B of the Gold Cup in Vancouver.

Mexico and Costa Rica top the Las Vegas bill with a fitting Group A finale

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 23:42:10 +0000

Mexico 0 Costa Rica 0

June 22 – Mexico and Costa Rica drew a blank in an enthralling no holds barred encounter at the Allegiant in Las Vegas in front of 35,000 fans.

It was a game of cat and mouse between an imperious Mexico who have bossed Concacaf over the past two years at regional level, and Costa Rica who are building a pathway back to the big bosses’ table.

Stars and stripes edge past resilient Haiti

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 23:14:35 +0000

USA 2-1 Haiti

June 22 – Motivation was never going to be an issue in this Concacaf Gold Cup Group D encounter between Haiti and the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT).

The visitors carried the weight of qualification hopes and the controversial backdrop of President Trump’s travel restrictions affecting their homeland. Meanwhile, the USMNT sought to maintain momentum from their perfect start to the tournament.

After a commanding 5-0 demolition of Trinidad and Tobago and a workmanlike 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia,

The post Stars and stripes edge past resilient Haiti appeared first on Inside World Football.

Saudi hold on for Trinidad draw to secure quarter final spot

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 22:35:55 +0000

Saudi Arabia 1 Trinidad and Tobago 1

June 22 – Saudi Arabia lived dangerously at the end of their final group encounter against Trinidad and Tobago at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to secure a spot in the quarter finals. Having dominated possession for most of the game, Trinidad came to life in the final 15 minutes but failed to put away a succession of chances.

Saudi Arabia,

Player down Dominican Republic hold Suriname

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:44:17 +0000

Dominican Republic 0 Suriname 0

June 22 – Playing a dead rubber is dispiriting in the best circumstances. Playing a dead rubber in a 100,000-capacity stadium in front of 2,000 supporters is the definition of torture. Yet somehow, the Dominican Republic and Suriname managed to breathe life into their Group A Concacaf Gold Cup farewell.

The echoing vastness of the stadium made every shout feel amplified. This was football stripped of pretense,

The post Player down Dominican Republic hold Suriname appeared first on Inside World Football.

Houston we don’t have a problem. Gold Cup delivers a Central American football feast

Paul Nicholson — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 13:59:59 +0000

Honduras 2 – El Salvador 0

June 21 – A piece of Central America proudly and unashamedly parked itself in Space City tonight. The Shell Energy Stadium in Houston has frequently staged Gold Cup nights of passion and community. This Saturday is was extra special.

Not even Donald Trump’s draconian immigration enforcement was going to stop this celebration of identity and heritage, and ultimately Americanism.

The stadium was close to capacity with 20,526 making the noise of double that.

Canada stunned by Curaçao comeback in chaotic added time

Paul Nicholson — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 13:51:33 +0000

Canada 1 Curaçao 1

June 21 – Canada came into the Gold Cup as one of the firm favourites and after a 6-0 fiesta against Honduras at home in Montreal, looked to be on the right road to a much-needed title. But on an airless 92˚˙ night in Houston they punctured.

The wheels haven’t come off but on this performance they need a rebalance from manager Jesse Marsch who is leading the charge from the front,

Passion meets pragmatism in Austin as Panama secure QF spot

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:20:09 +0000

Guatemala 0-1 Panama:

June 20 – Friday night at Q2 Stadium bore no resemblance to the venue that hosted football just 24 hours earlier. The transformation was complete, and the catalyst was simple: unbridled passion provided by the hordes of Guatemala supporters who descended on Austin. Stark contrast to the lack of interest shown by US fans on Thursday.

Unfortunately for Guatemala, passion alone doesn’t find the back of the net,

Jamaica hold on to beat Guadeloupe but every little thing is not alright

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:08:08 +0000

Jamaica 2 Guadeloupe 1

June 20 – Jamaica picked up their first three points and kept their hopes of progression to the knockout rounds alive. But it was not without a chaotic finale where they looked to be throwing everything away against a Guadeloupe team that stuck to their task.

Andre Blake in Jamaica’s goal was their hero with two outstanding saves in added time. In the first half Leon Bailey had been the difference between the teams as he shredded the Guadeloupe defence,

No more Mr Nice Guy: Marsch respects disciplinary process as he embeds culture of ruthlessness in Canada

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 20:53:28 +0000

June 20 – Under fire Canada coach Jesse Marsch who is facing disciplinary action following his behaviour at Canada’s opening game of the Gold Cup, said “there’s a process in place and I respect that”.

At a press conference ahead of Canada’s second Group B clash against Curaçao, Marsch wasn’t to be drawn further on the charges against him except that “Canada Soccer have been amazing at supporting me… I don’t want to take anything away from the team.”

On Tuesday Canada hammered Honduras 6-0 in Montreal in the opening of their Gold Cup campaign,

Unconvincing but into next round. USA dispatch Saudi Arabia, just

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:07:17 +0000

USA 1 Saudi Arabia 0

June 19 – American comedian Rodney Dangerfield used to say, “I don’t get no respect.” The same could be said for the United States Men’s Soccer Team as barely 10,000 fans showed up for a supporter friendly 8.15pm kickoff versus Concacaf Gold Cup, Group D opponents, Saudi Arabia in a 1-0 win that again raised more questions than answers.

To get respect you must earn respect,