Top Moments of the USA-Mexico Rivalry
Six historic matches between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Mexico over the last century
The 80th edition of the long-standing USA vs. Mexico rivalry is a month away as the U.S. Men’s National Team will host its Concacaf foes on October 3 in Glendale, Ariz., at State Farm Stadium. For nearly a century, the matches against El Tri have created some of the most iconic moments in USMNT history.
From World Cup qualifying to the origins of “Dos a Cero,” here’s a look at some of the top moments between the USMNT and Mexico:
1934 World Cup Qualifying – USA 4, Mexico 2
Played in Rome just days before the start of the 1934 World Cup, the inaugural USA-Mexico matchup was a winner-take-all qualifier. Aldo "Buff" Donelli scored all four goals in the 4-2 victory, earning the U.S. a spot in the 16-team tournament and – by eliminating Mexico – sparking Concacaf’s fiercest rivalry.
2001 World Cup Qualifying – USA 2, Mexico 0
A new chapter in the rivalry began in 2001, as the U.S. earned its first World Cup qualifying win over Mexico since 1980. Kicking off in frigid late February conditions in Columbus, Ohio, the U.S. defeated Mexico, 2-0,behind goals from Josh Wolff and Earnie Stewart. Beyond securing vital World Cup qualifying points, this match spawned the legendary "Dos a Cero" slogan.
2002 World Cup – USA 2, Mexico 0
On soccer’s biggest stage, the U.S. conquered Mexico, again by a 2-0 scoreline, in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Goals from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan immortalized "Dos a Cero" globally, propelling the USMNT to its first World Cup Quarterfinal and delivering the ultimate victory in the history of the rivalry.
2007 Concacaf Gold Cup Final – USA 2, Mexico 1
Down 1-0 at Soldier Field in Chicago, the U.S. staged a dramatic, second-half comeback to top Mexico, 2-1, in the 2007 Concacaf Gold Cup Final. Landon Donovan’s penalty equalizer and Benny Feilhaber’sincredible volley off a cleared corner kick made the difference as the U.S. secured consecutive confederation championships and earned a coveted spot in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
2012 International Match – USA 1, Mexico 0
On August 15, 2012, the U.S. made history by capturing its first victory in the rivalry on Mexican soil with a 1-0 win at Estadio Azteca. An 80th minute goal from Michael Orozco Fiscal and brilliant saves by Tim Howard snapped a 24-match winless streak in Mexico, allowing the United States to conquer one of soccer’s most daunting fortresses.
2021 Concacaf Nations League Final – USA 3, Mexico 2
In a thrilling, extra-time showdown in Denver, Colo., the U.S. defeated Mexico, 3-2, to win the inaugural Concacaf Nations League. After coming from behind twice in regulation, Christian Pulisic scored the game-winner from the spot in the 114th minute, and substitute goalkeeper Ethan Horvath dramatically saved a penalty in one of the final plays of the game to preserve the historic victory.
