The next chapter in the storied USA vs. Mexico rivalry will be written Sunday night in Denver, as the two sides meet in the final of the first Concacaf Nations League competition.
Both regional powers advanced from the semifinals in similar circumstances, struggling to enforce their will against sides they were largely expected to beat more handily. The U.S. emerged with a 1-0 win thanks to a diving header in the 89th minute vs. Honduras from substitute Jordan Siebatcheu, while Mexico eked by an undermanned Costa Rica side in penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw.
Mexico has dominated the recent history in the rivalry, going 3-0-1 in competitive matches dating back to 2013, including a 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup final triumph. El Tri won a subsequent friendly two months later, giving manager Tata Martino a 2-0 international record vs. Gregg Berhalter in their relatively short tenures as coaches of Concacaf’s two titans.
Berhalter opted for some significant tactical changes to his starting lineup, going with a three-man defensive unit, bringing veteran Tim Ream into the fold and opting for DeAndre Yedlin and Sergiño Dest at wingbacks. Dest had started at left back vs. Honduras in the semifinals and struggled at times with his defensive positioning and assignments. Despite Berhalter’s insistence that Tyler Adams was fit to play in the match after recovering from a back injury, the midfielder began the night on the bench.
Stay tuned here for live updates and highlights of goals and key plays from throughout the match (refresh for most recent updates).
Here are the lineups for both sides:
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