USMNT Faces Toughest Test Against Mexico in Gold Cup Final

The United States national team under Mauricio Pochettino has reached the Gold Cup final undefeated — yet the team’s performance remains below expectations.

Despite positive results featuring impressive displays from Diego Luna and Malik Tillman who is set to join Bayer Leverkusen, statistics indicate a decline in playing quality compared to previous eras.

Data shows that under Pochettino, the US team has produced fewer goals and shots — despite having more possession in the final third of the field.

The last two matches against Costa Rica and Guatemala revealed team struggles — they only narrowly prevailed against significantly lower-ranked opponents.

The final against Mexico at Houston’s NRG Stadium will be Pochettino’s toughest test. With majority Mexican support expected and underdog status, this becomes the last opportunity to demonstrate team progress before the World Cup.