HOUSTON — The U.S. men's national team entered this Gold Cup at one of its lowest points in recent years. The team was embroiled in controversy off the field and underperforming on it.

Entering this Gold Cup having lost four consecutive matches for the first time in nearly two decades, the USMNT reeled off five straight wins to reach Sunday’s final. More importantly, they showed resilience, character and pride — qualities that have been missing all too often since the 2022 World Cup.