GUADALAJARA, México — Guadalajara is the capital of a Mexican state that is home to tequila and Mariachi music. It is also considered the birthplace of a less flattering tradition – a homophobic soccer chant that has cost Mexico hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines over the past two decades.

Mexico's soccer federation has been sanctioned repeatedly by world governing body FIFA in recent years for a homophobic chant used by its fans during Mexican national team games, whether at home or away.

Mexico struggles to stamp out homophobic chant ahead of the World Cup - A homophobic chant that has cost Mexico hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines over the past two decades

The often contentious rivalry was lacking in intensity as the USMNT could not find a spark in 2-0 defeat that ended a seven-game unbeaten streak in the series.

A timid USMNT struggled for long spells in a 2-0 loss to Mexico on Tuesday, leaving Mauricio Pochettino with more questions than answers.