USMNT Fans Claim Gold Cup Final Was ‘Rigged’ for Mexico After Controversial Referee Decision

The United States men’s national team (USMNT) supporters expressed their outrage after a key penalty appeal was dismissed during the Gold Cup final. The match saw Mexico secure a 2-1 victory with a late goal from Edson Alvarez, capturing their first title in this competition.

The controversy centered around a missed handball call in the 66th minute, when USMNT full-back Max Arfsten was challenged by Jorge Sanchez. After winning the ball, Sanchez lost his footing and appeared to deliberately handle the ball to regain balance. Despite clear evidence of infringement, the referee, Mario Escobar, chose not to award a penalty, resulting in Mexico’s winning goal.

Footage showed USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino visibly frustrated, pleading with officials for an explanation for the non-call. In his post-match comments, Pochettino stated, “If that had happened in the opposite penalty area, it would have been given.” Fans on social media also criticized the decision, with many alleging the match was manipulated in Mexico’s favor, citing inconsistencies in VAR application and referee calls.

Despite the contentious refereeing, Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez scored the equalizer in the 27th minute after Chris Richards put the US ahead early. Alvarez then secured the victory for Mexico 13 minutes before full-time, sealing their success at NRG Stadium in Texas.

Jiménez paid an emotional tribute to teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident earlier that week. Jiménez celebrated his goal by recreating Jota’s famous gaming celebration while sitting on the turf, wearing a special No. 20 jersey honoring Jota’s memory.