U.S. Hall of Famer Tab Ramos spent 24 days on the road serving as a 2025 Gold Cup commentator for Andres Cantor’s Fútbol de Primera Radio, whose crew included legendary Colombian playmaker Carlos Valderrama, Argentine 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Burruchaga and former Chivas Guadalajara star Manuel Sol.
As we have after each USMNT gathering under Coach Mauricio Pochettino, we asked Ramos to assess the team’s performances and progress toward the 2026 World Cup. Ramos also rates the play of Mexico, the 2-1 Gold Cup final winner over the USA, and the tournament’s surprise teams.
SOCCER AMERICA: Did the USA’s Gold Cup performance make you more optimistic about its progress heading to the 2026 World Cup?
TAB RAMOS: It was a successful Gold Cup considering the roster available.
SA: The most positive takeaways from the USA’s Gold Cup performances?
TAB RAMOS: The team figured out how to squeak wins vs. Haiti, Costa Rica and Guatemala and advance. There seemed to be some of the team spirit that we have lacked for a few years. It was nice to see.
SA: Players who raised their stock?
TAB RAMOS: Chris Richards was the winner here. Malik Tillman and Diego Luna had a lot more promise going into the final, but the final vs. Mexico created the doubts we had after the Switzerland game [4-0 friendly loss] about them helping the team vs. top-level opponents.
SA: Disappointing or concerning aspects of the USA’s Gold Cup?
TAB RAMOS: The main concern is that we finished the summer without real answers on players who will make the team better next summer. We will now depend on our European-based players to be playing well or just be playing at all. Competition is completely open for other MLS players to break in, which could be a plus.
SA: I get that the USA was missing Christian Pulisic and other veterans, but does that excuse being so out-played by Mexico? (Corner kick count was 0-12; shots: 6-16; possession: 40%-60%.) I’m recalling the USA-Mexico games in 2021-24, when the USA truly dominated in some of its victories. In fact, superiority over Mexico was the highlight of the USMNT during the period. …
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