Weston McKennie rose highest in the 88th minute to nod home the decisive goal at SoFi Stadium, sending the United States to the top of Group B. Mexico had looked set to claim a point after Hirving Lozano’s stunning equalizer canceled out the hosts’ early advantage. With one match remaining, the Americans now hold a three-point cushion and a superior goal difference heading into the final round of fixtures.

The match began at a frantic pace, with both sides trading quick transitions and half-chances. The USA struck first through a well-worked set-piece routine that left the Mexican defense exposed. Lozano responded brilliantly just after the hour mark, curling a low drive into the far corner to restore parity and ignite the traveling supporters.

McKennie’s late intervention proved decisive, capitalizing on a pinpoint delivery from the right flank. The midfielder’s header sparked jubilant scenes among the home crowd and left Mexico facing an uphill task to secure automatic qualification. With the result, the hosts have taken a major step toward topping the group and avoiding a potentially tougher knockout draw.