Mexico Edges Honduras to Reach 13th Gold Cup Final

Deep in the heart of Santa Clara, California. The semi-final of the 2025 Gold Cup took place at iconic Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. The latest battle between Mexico and Honduras has had some incredible matches in the past. Mexico knew from this match that they didn’t underestimate any opponents in this Gold Cup. Star Mexican defender Johan Vasquez emphasized this during the pre-match press conference.

“I am not sure if we are the favorites, but for sure, we are very confident within ourselves. We obviously show a lot of respect to the other nations. I believe that we have shown that very well since the first match. And we always know to show respect to the opponent in front of us”, stated Vasquez. “… And like I said, the squad feels confident to compete and take on this challenge. Tomorrow will be a big challenge and we must show we are up for it.”, declared Vasquez. Mexico was focused on doing the job and reach the Gold Cup final once again and take on the United States.

Honduras, on the other hand, wanted to make noise in this match. Honduras shocked the world after knocking out Panama in penalties at the quarterfinals. Honduras believes that they can create another massive upset against the mighty Mexico.

“For us, this match has a lot of significance. To be at this stage after the very tough start we had, I feel like this team is getting more confident little by little, we are getting mentally strong in this competition especially after that first game. Today we are feeling very focused and very much wanting to be in the final. We have that mentality especially that we made it this far.”, announced Honduras’ star Anthony Lozano during the pre-match press conference.

Lozano talks about the poor start the team had after losing 6-0 to Canada at the first match but how it motivated them to playing better. Honduras went on a run by beating El Salvador and Curaçao to advance to the quarterfinals and then of course eliminating Panama 5-4 in a penalty shootout. Of course, Honduras knew that Mexico are very tough challenge but they felt confident that they could match up well against El Tri.

“Of course Mexico is always going to be the favorites with the quality they have, and what they represent in CONCACAF, but in the field its 11v11 and we want to shorten that cap with what we always do and the way we play. And I believe on the field it will be a different story…”, expressed Lozano.

The first half was an intense affair. Both teams started the match very aggressively but Mexico were the better team on the field. Mexico had one chance that should’ve gotten them the lead. Mexico’s Marcel Ruiz had space in the box from a wonderful pass from Mateo Chavez. Ruiz was ready to put the ball in the net but Honduras’ Edrick Menjivar made a big time save to keep the game scoreless at the half. The Honduran goalkeeper, who plays for CD Olimpia of Honduras, was truly spectacular in the first half.

Once the second half began, Mexico started to turn up the intensity in the match. Mexico started a wonderful team play from their number #10 Alexis Vega, who finds the 16-year-old promising talent, Gilberto Mora. Mora cleverly puts a perfect through ball to the dangerous Raúl Jiménez. Jiménez was able to put the ball past Edrick Menjivar for the 1-0 lead and finally crack the tough goalkeeper. Raúl Jiménez scored his 41st goal for the Mexican national team and is 5 goals away from moving to 2nd all-time in goal scoring. Mexico thought they were able to double the lead from a set piece. Roberto Alvarado puts in a great cross from an indirect free kick. The cross was intended to find captain Edson Álvarez, but it takes a deflection off of Honduras captain Denil Maldonado. The deflection hits the post, which finds Álvarez, to put it in the net. After the goal was scored, VAR was called in to check the goal for a possible offside. Costa Rica referee Juan Gabriel Calderon took a look at the VAR monitor and decided to annul the goal because Álvarez was in an offside position. Mexico was able to maintain control for the rest of the game and won the game.

Mexico reaches its 13th Gold Cup final in its history and, of course, will take on arch rivals the United States on Sunday, July 6th, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.