Mexico - USMNT summary: score, goals and highlights | CONCACAF Nations League final
Mexico vs USMNT: as it happened
That is that! The USMNT win their third straight CONCACAF Nations League title!
The US thoroughly deserve their victory. Particularly after Tyler Adams thumped in a stunning opener, Gregg Berhalter's men were dominant.
Not only have the Americans secured back-to-back-to-back Nations Leagues, but they are now seven games unbeaten against Mexico. That's their longest streak without defeat to El Tri, I believe.
As for the behaviour of the Mexican fans... well, it's deeply saddening that the beautiful game gets tarnished by such idiocy.
Thanks for joining! Bye!
Mexico work it forward into the box for Pineda to chase. Dest holds him off, and Turner darts off his line to gather. Surely that has to be that.
We're back underway. Just blow your whistle, Drew.
This is a really, really unseemingly ending to this final. Fischer again calls a halt to the game.
I don't know why he doesn't just blow for full time; the game has been settled already. The US players appear to say just that to the Canadian.
The Mexican fans are very audibly continuing with their chant every time Turner takes a goal kick.
A few subs to tell you about.
For the USMNT, Weah and Pulisic are off, with Tillman and Aaronson on.
For Mexico, Gallardo is replaced by Arteaga.
We're yet to get back underway. Mexican fans are now streaming out of the exits.
The fourth official holds up the board to indicate that there'll be six minutes of time added on.
Play has been stopped. The Mexican fans are now being warned that the game will be suspended if they carry on with their chanting. A few villages are short of their idiot tonight, it seems.
Great save by Ochoa! Cardoso is so close to making it 3-0 the USMNT!
Weah nods the ball down in the box, and Cardoso is in space to shoot six yards out. He gets a decent enough connection, but Ochoa parries!
The tannoy announcements about "discriminatory behaviour" are again going out.
On the field, Gallardo sends in a long throw-in from the left, but the US head away.
Lozano delivers the dead ball, which is cleared to Pineda just outside the USMNT area.
Pineda strikes the ball on the half volley, but skies it.
Ah, but now the Mexicans have an opportunity from a set piece. Lozano it is who wins the free-kick on the right, off Robinson.
Lozano drives towards the right-hand byline, before zipping a low ball into the USMNT box. The Stars and Stripes deal with it, though - and time is running out for Mexico. They're heading for another defeat to the US.
Back come the US, Pulisic leading the charge.
The captain tries to thread a through ball into Balogun's run into the area, but it's just too long for the striker.
Oh, that's a fine ball into the box by Robinson. From the left, he steers a low cross along the corridor of uncertainty, with Weah waiting in the middle.
Weah is beaten to it, however, and Mexico get it away.
Mexico replace Chávez with Luis Romo.
The USMNT withdraw goalscorer Reyna, who gets an ovation from the American fans. Yunus Musah is on in his stead.
It's all quite frantic right now.
At one end, the US almost get Robinson into an area on the left-hand side of the Mexican box.
At the other end, Edson tries to pass a shot into Turner's far corner, but has his effort blocked.
The stadium announcers are currently reminding the crowd about "discriminatory behaviour". That, I can only assume, must mean the Mexican fans are doing their homophobic chants.
No penalty!
And Giménez is booked for diving! Hmm. I only got one look at the replay, but it looked like a spot-kick to me. What do I know.
Giménez can make an impact! He's won the Mexicans a penalty!
Controlling a dropping ball on the edge of the US box, he turns and heads into the area, before seemingly being caught by Robinson.
Can Giménez make an impact for Mexico? He drives towards the byline on the right wing, before tumbling under Robinson's challenge. No free-kick, says Mr Fischer. Looks like the right decision.
And now a USMNT change. Folarin Balogun is on for the Stars and Stripes, with Wright replaced.
Mexico have to change things, and do. Orbelin Pineda and Santiago Giménez are on for El Tri.
Erick Sánchez and Antuna make way.
Goal! Mexico 0-2 USMNT - Reyna doubles the Americans' lead!
The US have been increasingly dominant in this final - and they're rewarded for their superiority with a second goal!
On the left, Pulisic does ever so well to scamper into the area before squaring. Initially, nobody in a white shirt can get on the end of it, but Mexico fail to clear.
The loose ball drops to Reyna just inside the box, and he thrashes a bouncing shot into the net!
The Mexicans are starting to collecting yellow cards really quite assiduously now.
Antuna is the latest El Tri player into the book, for hauling Reyna down as he sought to break down the left wing.
There's a chance for Martín, but he slices wide!
Battling with Dest to win a bouncing ball in the US box, the América striker beats the right-back to it and, suddenly, has space to shoot from no more than 10 yards out.
He's driven slightly wide, though, and misses the target. Dest, who feels Martín fouled him, marches off in the referee's direction in search of an explanation.
Now Edson goes into Drew Fischer's book, for a rather too enthusiastic tackle on McKennie.
That's better from Mexico, who work it to Lozano in a dangerous position just outside of the USMNT box.
Lozano gets his strike away, but it's not powerful enough, or well directed enough, to beat Turner. The keeper gets down to gather the ball.
The US are very much on top, and have won another free-kick on the right.
This time, Pulisic's delivery is better. It flies onto the head of Ream, who rises the highest at the back post. The defender tries to nod it back across goal, but his looping header drops into Ochoa's arms.
From the corner of the Mexico area, Pulisic takes the free-kick... but scuffs it straight into the wall.
Vásquez becomes the first Mexican to be booked when he's beaten for pace by Wright, and has no option but to bring the forward down just outside of the penalty box.
As things stand, the US are not only heading for a third straight Nations League title, but also their seventh consecutive game without defeat against Mexico.
How can Mexico respond? On the left, Gallardo bursts into the US box and tries to square, but his low ball into the danger area is turned behind for a corner kick.
Said corner comes to zip.
Weah has been in the thick of the action so far in this second half.
McKennie touches it to the winger on the right wing, where he drops a shoulder and gets the ball out of his feet to shoot. He's quite far wide, though, and Ochoa covers his near post relatively comfortably.
Now the US work out to the left to Wright, who tries to cut inside and surge into the box, but is dispossessed.
Montes then looks to launch a quick Mexico break with a long ball forward, but it's too long. Turner dashes out to gather the ball.
The USMNT start the second half on the front foot, twice finding Weah in enticing crossing positions.
First, he fires a high delivery over everyone's head; moments later, he gets to the right-hand byline and, with men waiting in the middle, has his cut-back cut out.
It's the goalscorer, who is feeling his way back from injury, who has been withdrawn at the break.
Adams has been replaced by Johnny Cardoso.
Peeeep! We're back underway.
Teams back out in Arlington!
The two sets of players have made their way back onto the field, and it looks like the USMNT are making a half-time change.
Adams stunner comes after nearly 500 days out of XI
Per Bleacher Report, who have done the maths so the rest of us don't have to, it's 478 days since Adams last started for the US.
Tremendous Tyler
As you can see from the video below, Ochoa produced a stunning save early doors to deny Pulisic.
But he was never going to keep that Adams howitzer out. What a strike!
And that's pretty much the final action of the half! The US lead at the break!
Goal! Mexico 0-1 USMNT - Adams with a stunner!
What a way to mark your return to the line-up!
Receiving the ball some 35 yards out from the Mexico goal, Adams takes one touch to steady himself, before launching a ferocious strike high into Ochoa's net!
The keeper isn't saving that one. Advantage America.
Mexico win two corners in quick succession on the right. They're both powerfully drilled into the area towards the near post, but the USMNT deal with them.
A moment later, there are timid penalty appeals when Edson tumbles to the turf as he meets a long throw-in into the US area... but he's the one penalised. A free-kick to the US.
Ream heads a left-wing Mexican cross away, before the USMNT come again. Eventually, however, Reyna gets himself in a tangle and brings Edson down.
That's not the first time he has fouled the West Ham man, and Edson gives Reyna a sizeable piece of his mind about that.
That's fantastic play by Dest, but he can't keep his shot down!
Collecting the ball deep on the right, he surges past a couple of challenges, slaloming his way into a great position just outside the Mexico box. He wraps his left foot around a powerful shot, but it rises high and off target!
The US almost get Weah into a prime shooting position inside the Mexico box, but he just can't sort his feet out.
It's lifted into the area on the right, but as Weah tries to bring the ball under control, he's pounced on by at least three men in a Mexico shirt.
Ten minutes left in the first half.
Pulisic's early chance remains the closest we have come to a goal.
Ah, hold on, Drew Fischer hasn’t even given a foul for that Reyna tackle. Well, he should have. Edson ain’t happy, and with good reason.
Edson is down and clutching his boot after a tackle by Reyna. The Mexicans want a yellow card for the Nottingham Forest loanee, but they aren't going to get one.
At the other end, Gallardo swings over a deep cross from the left, which Antuna tries to hook back into the middle. His cross is blocked.
The US pop it about patiently, before Ream pings a long diagonal ball over the Robinson on the left.
Robinson tries to wriggle his way into a crossing position, but ends up giving away a throw-in to Mexico.
McKennie becomes the first man to go into Drew Fischer's book, after tugging back Lozano as the PSV winger looked to scamper away down the left wing.
Yep, the Mexicans are giving as good as they're getting now. On the left, Lozano cuts inside before spraying it to the right to Jorge Sánchez.
He lifts a curling cross into the box, towards the back post, but Martín can't connect!
Just over midway through the first half, and it's oh so finely poised. The US ahead on points thus far, I'd say.
That Chávez opening appears to have galvanised the Mexicans, who come forward once more.
Martín feeds it into Antuna, who tries to barrel his way into shooting space inside the box - but is muscled off it by a delegation of USMNT defenders.
Oh, that's a half-chance for Chávez to score against the run of play!
Gallardo's long throw is flicked on into his own danger area by McKennie, who succeeds only in diverting it to Chávez on the penalty spot.
Chávez meets the ball with a first-time snap shot, but it's too close to Turner! The keeper gets down to save!
Finally, Mexico manage to launch another attack.
It's lifted high into the corner towards Lozano, who forces Dest to knock it out for a throw-in on the left wing.
Right now, the Mexicans are struggling to get out of their own half.
Edson dives into a 50-50 ball with Reyna, and is adjudged to have got there second. A free-kick to the USMNT, which Pulisic clips into the box... but it comes to nothing.
Still, it's been a very encouraging first 20 minutes for the US.
Back come the US. Receiving on the left flank, Pulisic drives at Jorge Sánchez, before trying to slip Robinson into the box. His through-ball is blocked.
Pulisic it is who delivers the corner, to Ream at the far post. Ream nods it back into the middle, but nobody in a white shirt can get on the end of the head-down. Mexico clear.
Robinson lifts a ball forward down the left, with Pulisic in pursuit. Jorge Sánchez gets there before the USMNT skipper, but can only hook it behind for a corner.
The US very definitely have the initiative right now. Dest fizzes a ball into the area, where Pulisic controls at the back post.
But just as Pulisic is preparing to pull the trigger, the whistle goes. Wright is penalised for a foul.
Pulisic hooks it forward to Weah, who turns it round the corner and over the top of the Mexico defence for Wright to chase.
Wright was coming back from an offside position, however, and the flag is up.
The USMNT win a corner on the right, which comes to nought.
It was the Mexicans who began on the front foot, but the Americans are now finding their groove - and should really be ahead. That was a gilt-edged chance for Pulisic.
What a save by Ochoa! He denies Pulisic from point-blank range!
Antonee Robinson touches it inside to Reyna, who in turn heads it on into Pulisic's path.
Pulisic drives into the Mexican box, and in the blink of an eye, is one-on-one with Ochoa. From six yards out, however, he can't beat the keeper! It's a fine reaction stop from the 38-year-old.
Now Adams - who, by the way, is making his first USMNT start since the 2022 World Cup - is penalised for a foul. He is adjudged to have pulled back Martín.
The Mexicans take the free-kick quickly, working it to the right and into the US box, but again Turner is off his line to deal with it.
Right away, Dest gives away a free-kick and Mexico have a dangerous early dead-ball situation on the left wing.
Érick Sánchez whips the free-kick into the box with plenty of pace, but Turner does well to dart off his line and punch clear.
Peeeep! Drew Fischer gets us underway at AT&T Stadium!
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If the 2021 final is anything to go by, it's very possible that there'll be nothing to separate the teams after 90 minutes.
Here's a short explainer on what happens if the game remains level at the end of normal time.
Last look at the line-ups
“The Star-Spangled Banner” is next… and with that done, it’s almost time for kick-off in Arlington!
Here’s a final reminder of the two starting XIs:
Mexico:
Ochoa, J. Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo, E. Sánchez, Álvarez, Chávez, Antuna, Martín, Lozano.
USMNT:
Turner, Dest, Ream, Richards, A. Robinson, Adams, McKennie, Reyna, Weah, Pulisic, Wright.
Out come the teams!
The Mexico and USMNT players make their way out onto the pitch at AT&T Stadium, where it's anthem time.
Mexico first.
Who is the VAR for the Nations League final?
Drew Fischer will be assisted in the VAR booth by Nicaraguan video assistant referee Tatiana Guzmán.
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We have a Canadian referee this evening. Drew Fischer, 43, will be the man in the middle.
My colleague Andy Hall has put together a short profile of the official.
A trophy, and regional bragging rights, are at stake in Arlington today. What isn't at stake is prize money. CONCACAF won't be handing out a cheque to the 2024 final winners.
AS USA's Luis Guillermo Vázquez has more.
Mexico vs US: who has better head-to-head record?
The USMNT's recent good run against Mexico has allowed them to cut the all-time head-to-head gap between the teams. That said, El Tri still have the upper hand by a good distance.
In 76 previous meetings, the Mexicans have 36 wins to the US's 23, while there have been 17 draws.
Should you be wondering where you can watch tonight's Nations League final, incidentally, I suggest you take a look at our guide on how to tune in on TV or online.
What the coaches said: Jaime Lozano
No favourites in CNL final
“It’s a final; it’s practically a ‘clásico’. The United States has won the last two editions of the tournament, the only two editions of the tournament. I don’t think there are favourites."
What the coaches said: Gregg Berhalter
"Opportunity to create a legacy"
“Mexico played a great semi-final, so the pressure may be on them to repeat that type of performance. For us, we see this as an opportunity for this group; we see this as an opportunity to create a legacy of what we can achieve. We love the Nations League, we love what it represents.”
USMNT "champing at the bit"
“Every game has its own story. We know this is a final, we know that we’re trying to get our third [Nations League] trophy in a row. And we’re highly motivated. I mean, the guys are champing at the bit and really want to compete in this game.”
Milestone for Memo
Mexico captain Guillermo Ochoa wins his 150th cap for El Tri tonight.
The 38-year-old is his country's third-highest appearance maker.
Two changes for Mexico
Mexico boss Jaime Lozano makes two alterations to the team that beat Panama in the semis.
Jorge Sánchez and Hirving Lozano come into the side, replacing Julián Araujo and Julián Quiñones.
Mexico's starting line-up
Here are Jaime Lozano's chosen ones for the Nations League final: Ochoa, J. Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo, E. Sánchez, Álvarez, Chávez, Antuna, Martín, Lozano.
What happened last time USMNT and Mexico met?
The USMNT won 3-0 nine months ago, thanks to a double by Christian Pulisic and one by Ricardo Pepi.
However, the Nations League last-four tie was tarnished by spats between the players, and bad behaviour by the Mexican supporters.
In all, four players were sent off - César Montes and Gerardo Arteaga for Mexico, and Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest for the US - and referee Iván Barton blew for full time six minutes early, after El Tri fans ignored warnings to stop singing homophobic chants.
US chasing seventh heaven against El Tri
The USMNT’s Nations League final win over Mexico three years ago signalled the start of a growing unbeaten run against their neighbours.
The Stars and Stripes are currently six games undefeated in meetings with El Tri. That streak has featured two draws and four wins, the most recent of which came in the teams’ last meeting.
That was in the Nations League semi-finals in June 2023, when the US triumphed in a fiery, controversial encounter.
Can Mexico secure first CNL crown?
The Mexicans, who will be sporting this jazzy new shirt tonight, are out to add a maiden Nations League title to their nine CONCACAF Gold Cup wins.
Can the USMNT make it three CNL titles in a row?
The USMNT are seeking a hat-trick of CONCACAF Nations League titles tonight; so far, indeed, the Stars and Stripes are the only country ever to win the tournament.
The Americans beat the Mexicans 3-2 in a dramatic 2021 final, before seeing off Canada 2-0 in the 2023 trophy decider last June.
Five changes for USMNT
Berhalter makes a number of changes to the USMNT side that started the Jamaica semi-final.
Having been suspended on Thursday, Sergiño Dest returns to availability and is brought into the side. Tim Ream, Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna also come into the XI, as does Haji Wright, who is rewarded for his two-goal display off the bench in midweek.
Joe Scally, Miles Robinson, Malik Tillman, Yunus Musah and Folarin Balogun all make way.
Confirmed USMNT line-up
Gregg Berhalter's starting XI has just dropped. It is: Turner, Dest, Ream, Richards, A. Robinson, Adams, McKennie, Reyna, Weah, Pulisic, Wright.
Jamaicans take bronze with narrow Panama win
By the way, the two losing semi-finalists have just met in the third-place playoff at AT&T Stadium.
Having suffered such an agonising defeat to the US, the Jamaicans have picked themselves up and beaten Panama, thanks to Dexter Lembikisa's first-half goal.
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Despite the comprehensive scoreline, however, Mexico head coach Jaime Lozano wasn't all that impressed with his team's display against Panama.
"The final score is very misleading," Lozano told reporters post-match, adding: "We know there are many things to improve."
David Leah / David Leah
Mexico put paid to Panamanians
Mexico, meanwhile, booked their berth in tonight's final by beating Panama 3-0 in the semi-finals on Thursday.
Edson Álvarez, Julián Quiñones and Orbelín Pineda got the goals for El Tri.
Wright wasn't originally in the USMNT's squad for the Nations League finals.
The Coventry City forward was departing for a vacation when he got the call to join up with the Stars and Stripes; indeed, he was at the airport waiting for a flight, and had to make a hasty about-turn.
USMNT into CNL final after Jamaica scare
The USMNT really were given an almighty fright in their semi-final with the Jamaicans.
Having done behind to a first-minute Greg Leigh goal, the hosts had to wait until the very last minute of stoppage time to level the last-four clash.
Having saved themselves courtesy of Corey Burke's own goal, the US then completed a 3-1 win, thanks to an extra-time double by Haji Wright.
Mexico vs USMNT: welcome!
Hello! Despite Jamaica's best efforts, the USMNT and Mexico meet in the Nations League final for a second time.
Will the US continue their dominance of the young competition? Will the Mexicans avenge their 2021 final defeat to the Stars and Stripes? Let's find out.
Kick-off at AT&T Stadium is at 9:15pm ET/6:15pm PT.