Mexico Edges Honduras 1–0 to Reach Gold Cup Final

Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez

Gold Cup Semifinal — July 2, 2025 | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

First Half: Cautious Opening

The match started cautiously, with both teams probing each other’s backline. Honduras created the first real threat in the 6th minute, when Anthony Lozano fired a warning shot toward Mexico’s goal—but his effort curled just wide.

Mexico gradually settled into the match, controlling possession through midfielders Marcel Ruiz and 16-year-old Gilberto Mora, who showed composure beyond his years.

Despite a few half-chances, the first half ended goalless, with neither team truly unlocking the defense.

Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez

Second Half: Jiménez Breaks the Deadlock

Just five minutes after the restart, Mexico found the breakthrough. Gilberto Mora slipped a clever ball into the box, and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez clinically finished past the Honduran keeper in the 50th minute, giving Mexico a 1–0 lead.

The crowd at Levi’s Stadium erupted, but celebrations were tempered minutes later when Edson Álvarez scored what looked like a second goal—only for VAR to rule it offside.

From there, Mexico controlled the tempo. Johan Vásquez and César Montes held the defensive line steady, keeping Honduras’s attack at bay. El Tri was comfortable, though unable to extend the lead.

Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez

Defensive Discipline & Late Game

Honduras struggled to respond after falling behind. Their buildup lacked urgency, and the few crosses they sent in were easily cleared by Mexico’s organized backline. Keeper Luis Malagón remained largely untested in the second half.

Despite some late pressure, Honduras couldn’t break through. Coach Reinaldo Rueda made attacking substitutions in the final 15 minutes, but they failed to change the course of the game.

The match concluded with Mexico locking in a 1–0 win, advancing to their fourth straight Gold Cup Final.

Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez

Player Highlights

  • Raúl Jiménez: Scored the game-winning goal and served as a consistent attacking presence.

  • Gilberto Mora: At just 16, provided an assist and played like a seasoned pro in midfield.

  • Edson Álvarez: Anchored midfield, broke up counterattacks, and nearly added a second goal.

  • Johan Vásquez & César Montes: Both center-backs delivered a clean sheet with strong positioning.

Raul Jimenez #9 Scoring the First Goal. Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez

Road to the Final

With this win, Mexico moves on to face the United States in the Gold Cup Final on July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

  • Mexico's Path:

    • Group Stage: Dominant performance

    • Quarterfinals: 2–0 vs. Saudi Arabia

    • Semifinals: 1–0 vs. Honduras

  • Honduras’s Path Ends:

    • Reached semifinals after thrilling penalty shootout win over Panama

    • Showed resilience, but lacked attacking sharpness against Mexico

Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez

Final Thoughts

Mexico’s blend of youth and experience—highlighted by rising talent Gilberto Mora and veteran Jiménez—continues to pay off. They now stand one win away from a record-setting 10th Gold Cup title.

Meanwhile, Honduras bows out after a hard-fought campaign, with sights now set on 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Match Highlights

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