rogeliofunesmoricbs.jpg
Getty Images

Only one team has won a Gold Cup title other than the USMNT and Mexico, and that won't change this year, with the teams set to square off again Sunday for the championship. Canada won the event in 2000, but the United States has won six and El Tri has won the other eight since Concacaf's top competition was renamed in 1991. Mexico is the defending champion, having beaten the USA 1-0 in the 2019 final, and has won 11 confederation titles overall. The United States held high-scoring Qatar without a goal and got one in the 86th minute to win Thursday's semifinal 1-0. The Mexicans got their winner even later -- nine minutes into second-half stoppage time -- to get past Canada.     

Kickoff from Allegiant Stadium is set for 8:30 p.m ET. William Hill Sportsbook lists Mexico as the +115 favorite (risk $100 to win $115) on the 90-minute money line in its latest USMNT vs. Mexico odds, while the USA is the +240 underdog. The over-under for total goals scored is set at 2.5. Before making any Mexico vs. USMNT picks or Gold Cup 2021 predictions, you need to see what consummate soccer insider Martin Green has to say

After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Since then, his European soccer picks have been spot-on. Green has generated nearly $19,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season, and he has his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe.

Now, Green has taken a close look at the USMNT vs. Mexico matchup and revealed his Gold Cup 2021 picks. You can head to SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are the Gold Cup odds and betting trends for Mexico vs. USMNT:  

  • USMNT vs. Mexico spread: Mexico -0.5 (+120)
  • USMNT vs. Mexico over-under: 2.5 goals (under -160, over +130)
  • USMNT vs. Mexico 90-minute money line: Mexico +115, USA +240, Draw +200
  • USA: The Americans have outscored opponents 44-9 since the start of 2020 (13-1-1).
  • Mexico: El Tri has a 32-10 goal advantage over its foes since the start of 2020 (12-4-2).

Why you should back the USMNT

The Americans appear shorthanded, with numerous star players in camp with their European clubs, but the talent and depth has been evident throughout the Gold Cup. Top scoring threat Daryl Dike has been dealing with a shoulder injury, but veteran Gyasi Zardes has stepped up when needed. Both have two goals through the five matches. Zardes scored the winner against Qatar and has 14 career goals for the USMNT. The Mexico defense had trouble with the pace of Canada's young forwards, and the USA has plenty of young attackers to rely on.     

Matthew Hoppe, Nicholas Gioachinni and Gianluca Buso are all 21 or younger, and they are hungry to secure their futures with the team. Paul Arriola, 26, and Sebastian Lletget, 28, are among the "veterans" and have combined for 15 international goals. The USA defense has been outstanding, with James Sands, Miles Robinson, Sam Vines and Shaq Moore providing strong cover for goalkeeper Matt Turner. Qatar, the top-scoring team in this Gold Cup, took 18 shots Thursday but put just two on net and failed to score after netting 11 in its first four games.  

Why you should back Mexico

El Tri has faced the Americans six times in the Gold Cup final and has won five of those matchups. Mexico is 4-1-2 in its last seven meetings, and while it lost 3-2 to the Americans in its last matchup -- in June's Concacaf Nations League final -- this is not the same United States team. The Yanks' top players are overseas in training, including all three goal-scorers from that game. El Tri is 6-2-0 since that loss, and they had not conceded a goal since in seven straight going into Thursday's semifinal against Canada. 

The Mexico roster is flush with veterans, with nine players boasting at least 45 international appearances, while the USA has 13 with 10 or fewer. El Tri will use that to their advantage, trying to shake the youngsters in a rivalry that often gets chippy. Both teams have played strong defense, but Mexico has the more dangerous attackers. Rogelio Funes Mori, Orbelin Pineda and Jesus Corona are all dangerous in front of goal. Funes Mori and Pineda each have scored three goals in the 2021 Gold Cup, and Mexico has dominated possession throughout the tournament.

How to make Mexico vs. USMNT picks

Green has taken an in-depth look at the USMNT vs. Mexico match and has locked in three strong best bets, including two that return plus-money. He's only sharing those picks at SportsLine.

So who wins USMNT vs. Mexico? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the USA vs. Mexico match, all from the soccer expert who has generated nearly $19,000 for $100 bettors over the past four seasons, and find out.