4 positives USMNT can take from Gold Cup final defeat to Mexico | OneFootball

Despite a valiant effort, the USMNT came up short in the Gold Cup final, letting an early lead slip away in a 2-1 loss. The U.S. had some calls go against them, but the glorified B-squad Mauricio Pochettino brought to the Gold Cup was surely second-best to Mexico's A-squad in the final.

A win in the Gold Cup final would have been a monumental accomplishment for Pochettino and company. However, the USMNT has some positives to take away from its run to the Gold Cup final. Keep in mind that this summer began with a pair of concerning losses to Turkiye and Switzerland. Four wins, one spectacular shootout victory, and one frustrating loss to Mexico later, the USMNT has plenty of positives to take away from the Gold Cup.

Malik Tillman is part of the answer

While Malik Tillman didn't play his best game against Mexico, he did more than enough during the Gold Cup to solidify a spot on the 2026 World Cup roster. He may have actually earned a spot in the starting lineup, even with the full squad together. His experience being the top playmaker and best scoring option during the Gold Cup should have him well-prepared to play a complementary role alongside Christian Pulisic and others in the World Cup.

Diego Luna is a keeper

Again, Diego Luna didn't have his best game in the final against Mexico. But he was the key difference-maker in the semifinal against Guatemala. He was also a bright spot during other parts of the tournament. Luna's first touch, work rate, and desire to win were all apparent. Pochettino also seems to be a big fan of his. It will be tough for Luna to earn a starting spot over Pulisic and Tim Weah, but there should be no doubt that he will be on the USMNT's roster during the World Cup and has the tools to contribute when called upon.

The center-back pairing might be set

A lot can happen in the next year, but Chris Richards and Tim Ream may have solidified their standing as the first-choice center backs. Richards, with certainty, is the best American center back right now. He was not only rock solid defensively, but he also scored two key goals during the Gold Cup. To be fair, Ream still needs to hold up physically over the next year, as his age remains a concern. But the two were a suitable pair throughout the tournament and formed a solid defensive foundation during the Gold Cup despite the U.S. playing with inexperienced fullbacks.

The A team has something to learn

Talent-wise, the Gold Cup roster was lacking, which is why beating Mexico in the final was always going to be a tall task. It's also why reaching the final is a notable accomplishment. But the players who took the field in the Gold Cup weren't lacking effort, passion, and desire. That's something that some of the players sitting at home could learn.

That will to win was enough to propel the U.S. to victory in several close games during the Gold Cup. It also sets the example of the attitude the USMNT will need to succeed in the World Cup next summer. If the A squad can adopt the attitude and work ethic we saw from players like Tillman, Luna, and the other key players of the Gold Cup roster, there will be a clear silver lining to the U.S. finishing second in the Gold Cup.