Jordan Morris scored an 88th-minute winner as United States claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Jamaica for its sixth CONCACAF Gold Cup title.

Thursday's (AEST) showpiece appeared set for extra time after Je-Vaughn Watson cancelled out Jozy Altidore's stunning first-half opener, but Morris struck late to move United States within one of Mexico's Gold Cup tournament-winning record.

Altidore curled a free-kick past substitute goalkeeper Dwayne Miller on the stroke of half-time before Watson equalised for the 2015 runner-up, seeking its first Gold Cup crown.

However, United States huffed and puffed and eventually found the winner thanks to Morris, who rifled a shot into the back of the net, securing a third Gold Cup title for head coach Bruce Arena.

United States, the semi-finalist two years ago, named an unchanged line-up for the decider after seeing off Costa Rica 2-0 in the final four as Michael Bradley, Altidore and Tim Howard headlined the starting XI.

Jamaica made one change after upstaging defending champion Mexico in a 2015 final rematch, with Oniel Fisher coming in for Shaun Francis.

It was a relatively subdued and cagey start to the match but it sprung into life in the 19th minute.

Andre Blake, the hero from the semi-final, was called into action after a thunderous long-range effort from Altidore and the Jamaica goalkeeper showed tremendous reflexes to scramble away the rebound.

But it came at a cost, Blake hurting his hand in the process as the Philadelphia Union star made his way from the field in tears, requiring seven stitches in an injury to his right hand.

The scores were set to be deadlocked at half-time until a moment of magic from Altidore.

Known for his power, Altidore showed his finesse as he curled a free-kick past substitute keeper Miller.

Jamaica struggled to provide a threat up front or register a shot on target, but that changed five minutes into the second half.

Watson fired a fierce shot into the net after Kemar Lawrence's corner, leaving the hosts stunned.

United States pushed forward and looked the most likely to score as Omar Gonzalez and Morris came close.

But Jamaica provided a reminder of its threat on the counter as Alvas Powell almost poked the ball home but Graham Zusi made a last-ditch block with 16 minutes remaining.

Substitute and record-seeking Clint Dempsey, who is just a goal away from becoming his nation's outright all-time leading scorer, then struck the post with a header a minute later.

United States had a chance to win it five minutes from the end but no one could get the decisive touch on the ball after a scuffed free-kick from Dempsey.

Morris, though, pounced two minutes from the end to give the home side its first Gold Cup success since 2013.