The Gold Cup final in Houston had all the drama you’d expect from a USA vs. Mexico showdown—but this time, the talking point wasn’t just the late winner.
Instead, American fans were left absolutely stunned over a handball decision, or rather, the lack of one.
A Late Goal Seals It for Mexico
It was heartbreak at NRG Stadium on Sunday night, where Mexico snatched a 2-1 win over the U.S. Men’s National Team thanks to a late strike from midfielder Edson Alvarez.
The match had been on a knife-edge until the 77th minute when Alvarez sealed the win, crowning El Tri Gold Cup champions once again.
But it was what didn’t happen in the 66th minute that has American fans and their manager fuming.
The Controversial Handball That Never Was
With the score tied at 1-1 and tension mounting, USMNT full-back Max Arfsten darted into the box, only to be blocked by Mexico’s Jorge Sanchez.
In the chaos, Sanchez lost his balance—and appeared to blatantly use his hand to keep himself from falling. The ball was clearly handled.
Despite what looked like an obvious infringement, referee Mario Escobar saw nothing wrong and let the play continue. No VAR check. No review. Just play on.
Pochettino Livid on the Sidelines
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, visibly furious on the touchline, could hardly believe it.
Post-match, he didn’t hold back:
“I’m not going to cry. I just want to speak the truth,” he told reporters.
“And the truth is, if that same thing happened in the opposite box, it would have been a penalty. No doubt.”
Fans Accuse Officials of Rigging the Game
Pochettino wasn’t alone in his frustration.
Social media erupted with furious reactions from USMNT supporters, many accusing the officials of bias.
One user ranted, “No mention of the obvious penalty?! The ref needs to be investigated. This game was rigged!!”
Another chimed in, “VAR on Mexico’s game-winning goal but not for this hilarious handball? Oh ok. S*** is so rigged.”
The sense of injustice was palpable.
For many, it felt like the game had been taken out of the players’ hands.
A Touching Tribute in the Midst of Mayhem
While controversy dominated headlines, the night also had a moment of genuine emotion.
Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, after leveling the score in the 27th minute, paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota.
Jimenez and Jota had been teammates at Wolves, and after scoring, Jimenez dropped to the turf, holding a No. 20 jersey with Jota’s name, while performing the forward’s trademark gaming celebration.
It was a heartfelt gesture following the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Jota and his younger brother, Andre Silva, just days earlier.
What Could Have Been for the USA
The match had started so promisingly for the U.S., with Chris Richards putting the team ahead just four minutes in.
But the momentum shifted quickly—and after the missed handball and Mexico’s late winner, it’s the kind of loss that will sting for a while.
The big question now: What happens next for the USMNT? And will fans ever get the closure they’re demanding over Sunday’s controversial call?
