The controversy of the night: the penalty that the United States asked in the final of the Gold Cup against Mexico
Jorge Sanchez handball sparked controversy in the second half; VAR did not intervene
In an intense and emotional final, the Mexican National Team managed to be crowned champion of the 2025 Gold Cup by beating the United States 1-2. However, beyond the result and Raúl Jiménez's emotional tribute to Diogo Jota, one play in particular sparked controversy: a possible handball by Jorge Sánchez inside the box that generated angry protests from the U.S. team. It was the second half, with the score tied 1-1, when Jorge Sánchez went down in his own box after a challenge for the ball. As he fell, his left hand clearly touched the ball, stopping it. Team USA players, as well as their manager Mauricio Pochettino, vehemently demanded a penalty. Replays clearly showed the contact, but the head referee did not consider the action intentional. There was also no VAR review. Amid the confusion, shouts from the American bench were immediate, but the decision was final: there was no violation.
Injustice or correct interpretation?
The referee's opinion was that Sánchez's handball was the result of a reflex and involuntary act at the moment of falling, and therefore no penalty should have been awarded. This interpretation was disputed, but it followed the criteria that FIFA has been maintaining in recent rule updates.
It was a gross error for many analysts in the American media. On the Mexican side, many defended the referee's decision, pointing out that the movement was not deliberate.
The play was even more striking because of the context in which it occurred. Just minutes later, Edson Alvarez scored the goal that gave El Tri the definitive victory with a header after a corner kick taken by Johan Vasquez. The goal made it 1-2 and left the United States unable to react in the final minutes.
Triumph and self-criticism for the 'Vasco'
Despite the controversy, Mexican coach Javier Aguirre celebrated the title and highlighted the team's progress. However, He also acknowledged areas for improvement ahead of the 2026 World Cup: "There are some things we can do better... ball movement, set pieces." Mexico, which had already won the 2023 Gold Cup, retained its championship with a young squad and new stars. This was its 13th title in the tournament, stretching its lead over the United States to six.