The United States Men`s National Team is on the cusp of the Gold Cup final, needing just one victory to advance and face the winner of the Mexico-Honduras match. Their opponent in this semifinal is Guatemala, a departure from the anticipated matchup against Canada. This unexpected pairing highlights the increasing competitiveness within Concacaf, where any team can pull off an upset. The USMNT themselves experienced a close call in their previous match against Costa Rica, only progressing after Matt Freese saved three penalties.
The hard-fought win against Costa Rica is expected to provide momentum for the USMNT heading into this encounter with Guatemala. With Mexico being the reigning Gold Cup champion, the US team has an opportunity for redemption should they meet in the final. Furthermore, players on the current roster are eager to showcase their talent and secure a place in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Last Meeting
These two nations last met in 2016, a match the USMNT won decisively 4-0. Guatemala`s scoring drought against the United States extends even further back, to 2012. While the US defense has had shaky moments, the historical record suggests this match could favor the USMNT significantly. Guatemala`s forward Rubio Rubin is noted to be in good form and will require attention from the US defense. However, the expectation is that the USMNT will establish an early lead and control the game.
USMNT Predicted Lineup
USMNT: Matt Freese, John Tolkin, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Tyler Adams, Luca De La Torre, Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, Jack McGlynn, Patrick Agyemang
Player to Watch
Malik Tillman, PSV: Malik Tillman is a standout player to watch. Despite missing a penalty against Costa Rica, his overall impact this tournament has significantly boosted his profile. With three goals and one assist, Tillman has been a key offensive force for the USMNT`s run. His performances have even led to speculation about a potential move to Bayer Leverkusen. Already considered a likely candidate for the 2026 World Cup squad, Tillman is clearly aiming to earn a starting position through displays like these. His influence sets a high standard for the rest of the team during this camp.
Storyline to Watch
Can the USMNT operate as the favorites? A key narrative for the USMNT is whether they can effectively perform under the pressure of being favorites. Their match against Costa Rica revealed vulnerabilities, including conceding penalties and defensive lapses, even though Costa Rica wasn`t at full strength. This raises some concerns despite ultimately winning. Addressing these self-imposed difficulties under the coaching of Pochettino is crucial. A convincing performance against Guatemala would demonstrate progress. As the tournament advances and opponents become stronger, avoiding errors caused by their own play will be paramount for the USMNT.
Prediction
The prediction for the match sees Diego Luna opening the scoring early, setting the tone for USMNT dominance. Similar to their first game of the tournament, the US is expected to build a significant lead by halftime, putting the game well out of reach for Guatemala. The final score is predicted to be a high one for the USMNT as they secure their spot in the Gold Cup final.
Prediction: USMNT 5, Guatemala 0
