Entering this Gold Cup having lost four consecutive matches for the first time in nearly two decades, the USMNT reeled off five straight wins to reach Sunday’s final. More importantly, they showed resilience, character and pride — qualities that have been missing all too often since the 2022 World Cup.

Though the United States didn't have its best effort on Sunday, the team still has a year to tune up before it tries to make a deep run in the World Cup on its own soil. The USMNT

Coach Mauricio Pochettino gave credit to Mexico and said he wasn't "going to cry," but took aim at referees for what he called an "embarrassing" performance during the Americans' loss in the Gold Cup finale in Houston.