The group stage of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup has concluded, and we know who the U.S. men's national team will face in the quarterfinals. Entering Sunday's group stage games, there was a possibility that the U.S. could play Mexico in the quarterfinals – the earliest the two rivals would have met in the history of this tournament.

Alexis Vega put Mexico ahead early in the second half, then a late own goal from Abdullah Madu sealed the comfortable win. Mexico would become the first 10-time winner of the Gold Cup, but they have a tricky semifinal test against Honduras to come on Wednesday in Santa Clara,

For Mexico, the pressure is immense. El Tri enter this knockout match as heavy favorites, expected not just to win but to dominate as they pursue their ninth Gold Cup title. The Gold Cup has foiled some of that narrative as games have been narrow for Mexico, and they are coming off a scoreless draw against Costa Rica in the final group stage match.