Mexico arrived at the 2021 Gold Cup as heavy favorites to defend their crown after the USA decided to face this competition with their B squad. Gerardo Martino's boys now are one game away from winning their second title in a row against the hosts, who have also reached the final despite leaving out the likes of Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Weston McKennie. Mexico also left out big names such as Chicharito Hernández and Guillermo Ochoa, while they suffered Hirving Lozano's absence.
Arguably the strongest side in the competition, El Tri have met the goal of reaching the tournament decider, but they left a lot to be desired regarding their game. They have struggled to get results and show convincing performances, but any of that won't matter if they lift the trophy on Sunday.
Mexico and the USA will clash in a rematch of the 2019 Final, when Martino's men were crowned. Now they'll try to repeat that result and win a record ninth Gold Cup to extend their dominance at the Concacaf marquee competition. Ahead of the big game, let's take a look at Mexico's road to the 2021 Gold Cup Final.
Mexico in the 2021 Gold Cup group stage
Even though they arrived as heavy favorites for the title, Mexico's journey in the 2021 Gold Cup has been complicated from the very beginning. In the tournament opener, they were held by Trinidad and Tobago in a goalless affair. However, El Tri bounced back by putting three past Guatemala on Matchday 2, and they ended up winning Group A beating El Salvador in a hard-fought game.
Mexico vs Honduras (3-0) - 2021 Gold Cup quarterfinals
Once in the knockout stages, Mexico took on Honduras to begin the final stretch of the road to the final. Unlike their previous match against El Salvador, El Tri won comfortably due to a ruthless 12 minutes in the first half in which they punished La H three times. Argentina-born Rogelio Funes Mori opened the score to lead the way to the victory.
Mexico vs Canada (2-1) - 2021 Gold Cup semifinals
Despite reaching this round in high spirits, Gerardo Martino's men had to sweat until the very last minute to seal a place in the final. Canada put their backs against the wall and it seemed like the game was heading to extra time until Hector Herrera fired Mexico to the final with a last-gasp winner.
