When the USMNT faces Mexico in the Gold Cup final on Sunday, it will do so without many of its top players, including Christian Pulisic.

What I felt best for my body,” is how Christian Pulisic explained his decision to step back from this summer’s 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Having endured enough toll on the domestic front, while also making subsequent efforts for the USMNT,

The Americans grabbed an early lead, but Mexico responded and then scored the winner in the 77th minute to prevail, 2-1, at raucous NRG Stadium.