The United States turned every Mexican mistake into a goal, cruising to victory in Arizona.
The United States exploited three Mexican mistakes, two by keeper Raúl Rangel, and triumphed 3-0 as Mexico finished with ten men.
Mexico started brighter, but the U.S. struck first in the 28th minute when Alex Freeman fed Gio Reyna, Rangel fumbled the cross and 18‑year‑old Julian Hall slotted home – his third goal in as many caps.
Rangel slipped again in the 63rd; his wayward pass to Israel Reyes was intercepted by Cavan Sullivan, who fired from outside the box for his debut USMNT goal, becoming the youngest scorer at 17 years, five days.
Five minutes later, substitute Mateo Chávez fouled Yunus Musah, exchanged words with U.S. players and then slapped Sebastian Berhalter, earning an immediate red.
Malik Tillman capped the night in the 85th, pouncing on a weak back‑pass to seal the lopsided tally.
USMNT 3 – 0 Mexico (FT)
Final whistle!
The United States surged to a 3‑0 victory, and more highlights will follow from this dominant display.
USA triumphs 3‑0!
Tillman found the net – a decisive blowout for the Americans.
Sullivan’s record‑breaking strike
Sullivan’s strike set a new USMNT record at 17 years, five days, eclipsing Albert’s 17 years, 131 days and Pulisic’s 17 years, 253 days.
Sullivan scores
Mexico receives a red card
Chávez was sent off after a clumsy challenge on Musah and a slap on Berhalter.
USMNT goal by Sullivan
Sullivan’s goal put the U.S. up 2‑0, cementing the youngest‑ever scorer title after Albert’s brief record.
He stole a ball from the keeper and lofted a spectacular chip from roughly 35 yards.
USA substitutions incoming
Musah and Ellis warmed up, ready to enter the match.
58′
Physical play intensified, with several fouls that might have deserved cards, prompting Mexico coach Rafa Márquez to question the missing yellows.
49′ Tillman’s cheeky play!
Tillman showed flair, delivering a slick back‑heel to Reyna; the ball was a touch heavy, but the attempt was impressive.
No changes for the U.S. as the second half begins
Pochettino kept the same lineup as action resumed in Glendale.
Halftime
The U.S. took a 1‑0 halftime lead after Hall capitalized on a goalkeeping error in the 28th; Mexico’s early chances included a long ball forcing Antonee Robinson’s clearance and a missed strike by Santi Giménez.
USMNT goal video
44′ Missed chance for Mexico!
Giménez missed a clear chance as a loose ball fell to him in the box, but his foot never connected cleanly.
41′
Since the goal, Mexico has pressed for an equaliser while the U.S. occasionally sat deeper, still breaking up El Tri’s build‑up; the match feels tense yet controlled.
28′ GOAL USA!
It’s 1‑0 to the Americans, with Hall scoring again – three caps, three goals.
Hall capitalized on a low, mishandled ball after Freeman’s pass to Reyna, finishing easily.
Mexico appears stronger so far
A fourth‑minute long ball split the U.S. back line, prompting a desperate clearance from Antonee Robinson before Chris Richards cleared after Auston Trusty’s pressure on Giménez.
The opening was intense, physical and a bit chaotic; Mexico created a promising chance that Trusty disrupted before a near‑certain Giménez opener.
Match underway!
And the match has kicked off!
Mexico XI
Raúl Rangel, Jesús Gallardo, Johan Vásquez, Israel Reyes, Diego Campillo, Orbelín Pineda, Érik Lira, Santiago Sandoval, Luis Romo, Roberto Alvarado, Santiago Giménez.
Gilberto Mora is sidelined with injury; a Mora‑Sullivan duel would have been fascinating, but we’ll have to wait.
Almost time
Around ten minutes remain; despite Mexico being slight favourites, the crowd leans pro‑Mexico. Both sides exited the World Cup in the round of 16, so a win feels sweet. The U.S. faces Canada Tuesday, so watch Pochettino’s rotation.
Tyler Adams, new captain
Tyler Adams is now officially USMNT captain – not a surprise given his long‑standing leadership, and it feels fitting for this match.
Mexico’s struggles dominate
Mexico’s recent form has been muted, with 1‑1 draws against Colombia and Peru, yet they’ve scored 17 in ten friendlies, proving they remain a solid side.
Keep it rolling
The Americans have enjoyed a productive window, netting eight goals in two wins over Peru and Chile, reminiscent of their strong World Cup run.
Pochettino has leaned heavily on youth, and the impact has been huge. Can this momentum survive against El Tri?
Cattry: lineup thoughts
From our correspondent Pardeep Cattry on the ground:
Pochettino delivered a blend of youth and experience, fielding eight World Cup starters alongside three newcomers. Julian Hall earned a spot up front after a standout debut, while Cavan Sullivan’s selection made sense given his form. The surprise was goalkeeper Diego Kochen, who replaced World Cup starter Matt Freese after just one cap.
United States XI
Welcome in!
Welcome to our live blog for the USMNT vs. Mexico in Glendale, Arizona. Kickoff is at 10 p.m. ET; we’ll provide lineups, news and updates throughout.
Our reporter Pardeep Cattry is on the scene!