The United States Men`s National Team is just one victory away from reaching the Concacaf Gold Cup final, where they would potentially face the winner of the match between Mexico and Honduras. The U.S. team is set to play Guatemala in the semifinal, a matchup that highlights the increasing competitiveness within Concacaf, demonstrating that any team can perform strongly on a given day. The USMNT experienced this firsthand in their previous match against Costa Rica, narrowly avoiding defeat thanks to Matt Freese, who saved three penalties in the shootout to secure their progression.
This challenging win against Costa Rica is expected to provide momentum for the upcoming clash with Guatemala. With Mexico having won the most recent edition of the Gold Cup, this tournament offers the USMNT a chance to potentially avenge that loss in the final. Furthermore, players on the current roster are looking to prove their value and solidify their positions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Match Information
- Date: Wednesday, July 2
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Energizer Park — St. Louis, Missouri
- TV Channel: FS1
- Odds: USMNT -400; Draw +450; Guatemala +1000
Historical Context: Last Encounter
The teams have not met since 2016, and Guatemala has not managed to score a goal against the USMNT since 2012. Their last match concluded with a dominant 4-0 win for the USMNT, which suggests a potential path for the upcoming game. While Rubio Rubin has been in good form for Guatemala and is a player the U.S. defense will need to monitor, the USMNT is expected to establish a significant lead early in the match and control the game.
Predicted USMNT Starting Lineup
Based on recent matches and available players:
- Matt Freese
- John Tolkin
- Tim Ream
- Chris Richards
- Alex Freeman
- Tyler Adams
- Luca De La Torre
- Diego Luna
- Malik Tillman
- Jack McGlynn
- Patrick Agyemang
Key Player to Watch
Malik Tillman, PSV: Despite missing a penalty during the Costa Rica game, Malik Tillman`s performances throughout this tournament have significantly raised his profile. With three goals and an assist, Tillman has been a vital component of the USMNT`s progress and could even be on the verge of a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. Tillman was already considered likely for the 2026 World Cup squad, but his current form suggests he is pushing for a starting position. If other players can replicate his level of performance during this camp, the USMNT will be in a very strong situation.
Key Storyline: Managing Expectations
Can the USMNT perform effectively when favored? Against Costa Rica, the USMNT faced self-imposed challenges, conceding penalties and showing defensive vulnerabilities, even against a team that wasn`t at full strength. This result, despite the eventual win, raised some questions. This team needs to address these issues under the guidance of coach Pochettino, and a convincing performance against Guatemala would be highly beneficial. As the competition stiffens, the USMNT must ensure they are not hindering themselves with preventable errors.
Match Prediction
Expect Diego Luna to make an early impact with a goal, setting the tone for the USMNT`s control of the game. Similar to their opening match in the tournament, the game should effectively be decided by halftime as the USMNT builds a substantial lead to secure their place in the final.
Predicted Score: USMNT 5, Guatemala 0
Dominic Ashworth