The United States and Mexico are set to face off in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium in Houston on July 6. This highly anticipated match will occur without some of the biggest stars from both teams.

For the U.S., the absence of key players like Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, and Sergiño Dest is notable. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna are also unavailable as they are representing their clubs in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Christian Pulisic opted to prioritize rest and recovery after a demanding season with AC Milan, where he made 50 appearances and played over 3,500 minutes. Pulisic stated that his body and mind needed a break to prepare for the upcoming season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He also mentioned dealing with lingering minor injuries. Despite his willingness to play in pre-Gold Cup friendlies, coach Mauricio Pochettino declined, emphasizing the importance of sticking to the team's plan. Pochettino asserted his authority, stating that players need to listen and cannot dictate the plan.

The decision to rest Pulisic has sparked debate, with USMNT legends like Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey questioning the commitment of players who choose to miss the Gold Cup. Pulisic defended his commitment to the national team, emphasizing that his decision was in the best interest of both himself and the team. He highlighted the physical and mental toll of playing continuously without adequate rest.

Despite these absences, the USMNT has progressed to the final, showcasing the depth and emerging talent within the squad. Players like Diego Luna have stepped up, with Luna notably scoring twice in the semifinal against Guatemala. The team has demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has emphasized the importance of the Gold Cup as an opportunity for the team to grow and develop.

Mexico is also dealing with key absences. Midfielder Luis Chávez has been ruled out of the tournament due to a ruptured ACL. The injury occurred during training and will sideline him for several months. Despite this setback, Mexico has a strong squad featuring players like Raúl Jiménez, Santiago Gimenez and Edson Álvarez.

Both the U.S. and Mexico view the 2025 Gold Cup as a crucial preparation step for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which they will co-host with Canada. The absence of key players provides an opportunity for emerging talents to gain experience and prove themselves on the international stage. The final match is expected to be a hard-fought contest, as both teams aim to claim the regional title and build momentum for the future.

The USMNT is aiming for their first trophy under Mauricio Pochettino. Mexico, with nine Gold Cup titles, is seeking a record-extending tenth title. The United States and Mexico have a long history in the Gold Cup, having met in the final eight times. The US won the most recent final in 2021.