USMNT - Mexico head-to-head: who has the best record?

The two most decorated nations in CONCACAF meet once again on Sunday night in the final of the Nations League. The United States host Mexico with the chance to retain their Nations League title, a competition that they have won in each of the two previous editions.

Both teams enjoyed semi-final victories that looked impressive on paper; USMNT beating Jamaica 3-1 and Mexico recording a 3-0 win over Panama. But in both games the victors’ performances were underwhelming and both managers have called on their teams to up the levels for Sunday’s final.

USMNT and Mexico, the two strongest teams in North and Central America, have met 78 times in the past and there is a clear winner across their 90-year competitive history. Mexico have come out on top 38 times, with the US triumphing on 24 occasions. The two teams have recorded 16 draws.

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Mexico are the most successful team in the history of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which has served as the main international tournament for North and Central American nations for the past three decades. El Tri have won the competition nine times and are the reigning champions.

What was the last meeting between USMNT and Mexico?

Games between local rivals, national teams from neighbouring countries, often carry an extra layer of tension. In the case of USMNT-Mexico games that rivalry is amplified by the fact that they are the two dominant forces in the region, meaning that their meetings often define competitions and decide trophies. But, even with that in mind, the most recent game between the US and El Tri was particularly contentious.

Last June the two sides met in the semi-final of the Nations League at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas. They were coached by BJ Callaghan and Diego Cocca, two managers who had only recently taken the reigns and would soon be departing their roles. The United States ran out 3-0 winners to book their place in the final, but the game was marked by a series on on-field clashes and homophobic chanting.

Cesar Montes was the first player dismissed, penalised for scything down Folarin Balogun. The tackle prompted a mass confrontation on the field that left Weston McKennie with a ripped shirt and a red card for his trouble. As the US closed in on a resounding victory Sergino Dest and Gerardo Arteaga clashed near the corner flag and both players were subsequently sent off.

But the most disappointing part of a controversy-riddled game was a series of homophobic chants emanating from the Mexican supporters’ section. The in-stadium public address system warned those in attendance that the game would be abandoned if the chants did not stop. They did not, and the game was duly abandoned with six minutes still to play.