Despite the USA’s best efforts, Mexico couldn’t be subdued. At the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final, the most successful team in the history of the tournament emerged as winners by defeating the hosts at the NRG Stadium in Texas by a one-goal margin. However, while wins and losses are part and parcel of the game, being even denied the chance to get on level terms is something that’s just painful.

Just a day before the Gold Cup Final, Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the USMNT, made it clear that the team would bring it’s A-game to Texas. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the seasoned coach knew Sunday’s match could have been an incredible confidence-booster. And yet, his hopes of starting the campaign for next year’s mega event on a high fell flat on its face. But the USA fans can’t stop wheezing about how Chris Richards & Co. were robbed of even a chance to fight back.

Tactical Manager went on X on July 6 to note their frustration over how the USA vs Mexico match at the Gold Cup Final was made to be a miserable one for the hosts, thanks to the official supervising the game. “Of course the ref would help Mexico,” fumed the social media post, claiming that the USMNT was clearly robbed of the chance to potentially win its 8th Gold Cup title.

In the 67th minute of the match between the USA and Mexico in the Gold Cup Final, the arguably most controversial moment of the game unfolded. As Javier Aguirre’s boys tried to thwart an attack from the USA’s Max Arfsten, Mexican defender Jorge Sánchez placed his hand squarely on the ball during the skirmish within the defending champs’ penalty box. However, ref Mario Escobar chose to let the infraction slide, citing that it was an involuntary action on Sanchez’s part. But, evidently, the folks over at Tactical Manager weren’t having any of it.

Just 10 minutes later, Mexico scored from an incredible header by Edson Alvarez, who made the most of a set-piece opportunity. However, fans couldn’t forget that the USA also had come dangerously close to clinching the lead in the game and putting Mexico in a tough spot. Naturally, the clamor over Escobar’s controversial call at the Gold Cup Final lingered around even after the Mexicans lifted the trophy for the 10th time.

“He legit played basketball on the field. I cannot believe it,” bellowed one fan, who obviously couldn’t believe how the ref could turn a blind eye to Sanchez’s play, especially inside Mexico’s penalty box. Others agreed.

Fans slam match official’s obliviousness at the Gold Cup Final

Just a day before the Gold Cup Final, Chris Richards issued a warning to the reigning champs, claiming that the USMNT would head to the NRG Stadium with the mindset of leaving no quarter for the visitors. The defender looked to walk the talk as he put the USA ahead with a stunning header from Berhalter’s free kick just four minutes into the game. But that jubilation was squandered when Raul Himeez tied the game in the 27th minute. Naturally, with the penalty not being awarded, the fans felt like Mexico’s legacy in the Gold Cup Finals was being given an undue advantage. “Absolutely ridiculous no-call on the penalty. A player can’t use the damn ball to hold himself up,” one X post could barely contain their scorn.

“Bro literally palmed the ball, and they didn’t even go to VAR??” yet another fan was left dumbfounded by how Escobar didn’t book Sanchez and give the USMNT the chance to capitalize on Mexico’s fault. With Alvarez’s goal coming just minutes after the controversial play, the complaints only grew louder. “Can we not have refs from concacaf anymore? They’re just the worst at their job and it shows,” jeered one more USMNT fan.

“Very questionable refereeing,” more and more fans called out Escobar for his call at the Gold Cup Final. However, others also pointed out that Sanchez was only trying to regain control of his body after his fumble with Arfsten, and the ball coincidentally got in his way. Where do you stand on the matter? Tell us below!