Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as manager of the United States men’s national team suffered an early setback as his side lost 2-0 to rivals Mexico in an international friendly at Estadio Akron. The match, which also marked the farewell of Mexico’s legendary midfielder Andrés Guardado, saw the hosts put in a dominant performance to claim victory, ending the USA’s seven-match unbeaten streak against their regional rivals.
Pochettino, who took charge of the U.S. team after Gregg Berhalter’s departure earlier this year, had enjoyed a winning start in his new role just days before, with a 2-0 victory over Panama. However, his team was second best in this encounter, as Mexico outplayed the U.S. throughout the game, especially in the attacking third.
In the post-match interview, Pochettino reflected on the performance, admitting his side was outclassed but maintained that the game was a valuable learning experience for the team. “It wasn’t a great performance, but this type of game is perfect for us to learn,” said the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager. “Overall, I think Mexico were a little bit better than us and fully deserved the victory. But for us, it is a process.”
The U.S. lineup was missing key players like Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, and Weston McKennie, which left them struggling to create opportunities and test Mexico’s defense. With only one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, the Americans were largely kept at bay, highlighting some of the early challenges Pochettino faces in revamping the squad.
Mexico, on the other hand, were buoyed by a standout performance from veteran striker Raúl Jiménez, who gave the home crowd something to cheer about with a stunning free-kick in the 30th minute. The Fulham forward curled the ball into the top corner from just outside the penalty box, leaving U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner with no chance.
Mexico’s confidence grew after taking the lead, and their control of the game increased as they piled pressure on the United States defense. The second goal came shortly after halftime when César Huerta pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired it home to double Mexico’s advantage.
Despite the two-goal cushion, Mexico continued to press for a third, and while they didn’t add more to the scoreline, they comfortably managed the game to secure a much-needed victory. The result came after a disappointing 2-2 draw in their previous friendly against Spanish side Valencia, during which the Mexican team was booed by its own fans.
The match was also a historic occasion for Andrés Guardado, Mexico’s most-capped player, who was making his 182nd and final appearance for El Tri. The 37-year-old, who made his debut for Mexico in 2005, was given a standing ovation when he was substituted off in the 19th minute, marking an emotional farewell for one of the country’s all-time greats.
Guardado’s career has seen him represent Mexico at five FIFA World Cups, a remarkable feat, and he leaves behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished midfielders in the nation’s history. His leadership and consistency over nearly two decades earned him widespread admiration from both teammates and fans.
While Pochettino’s USA reign started positively with the win over Panama, the defeat to Mexico highlights the work that lies ahead as he looks to build a team capable of competing at the highest level. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place on home soil for the United States, along with co-hosts Canada and Mexico, there is immense pressure on Pochettino to guide the team through this transition period and establish them as contenders on the global stage.
The absence of key players, combined with Mexico’s strong performance, may have contributed to the result, but the lack of creativity and cutting edge will be a concern for Pochettino as he prepares for the next set of matches. The U.S. manager will need to quickly adapt to international football, which differs from his experience managing club teams in Europe, to bring the best out of his players.
Despite the defeat, Pochettino remained optimistic about the team’s future, noting that such matches are part of the growth process. “This result hurts, but it’s important that we take lessons from it. We are building something here, and we know there will be ups and downs along the way,” he said.
As the U.S. team looks ahead to future friendlies and qualification for upcoming tournaments, Pochettino will undoubtedly be working hard to strengthen the squad and implement his philosophy. With the likes of Pulisic, McKennie, and Pepi likely to return for future fixtures, the U.S. will hope to bounce back from this defeat and build momentum under their new manager.
For Mexico, the victory not only restored some pride after recent disappointments but also provided a fitting farewell for one of their greatest players, Andrés Guardado.
