Following a successful group stage campaign in the Concacaf Gold Cup, the U.S. men`s national team, led by Mauricio Pochettino, enters the knockout rounds aiming to reclaim the title. Their next challenge is a familiar foe, Costa Rica. The objective remains clear: win to advance and potentially face Canada or Guatemala for a place in the final.
The USMNT defense faces a test against in-form Costa Rican forwards Manfred Ugalde and Alonso Martinez. This challenge is a positive one, as Pochettino seeks to evaluate players for the 2026 World Cup squad. While the U.S. attack has performed well in the Gold Cup thus far, the defense has shown occasional vulnerabilities. The knockout stage presents an ideal opportunity to solidify the back line.
Match Details and Betting Odds
- Location: U.S. Bank Stadium — Minneapolis, Minnesota
- TV: FOX
- Odds: USMNT -180; Draw +280; Costa Rica +500
Previous Encounter: USMNT`s January Win
In their last meeting during a January camp this year, the USMNT secured a 2-0 victory against a less experienced Costa Rican side. This upcoming match against Costa Rica`s full-strength squad offers a more significant evaluation for the current USMNT roster, particularly for MLS players like Jack McGlynn, Diego Luna, Brian White, and Patrick Agyemang. It provides an opportunity for coach Pochettino to assess their progress compared to their January performances.
Predicted Lineups
USMNT: Matt Freese, Max Arfsten, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Tyler Adams, Luca De La Torre, Malik Tillman, Sebastian Berhalter, Diego Luna, Patrick Agyemang
Costa Rica: Keylor Navas, Joseph Mora, Francisco Calvo, Juan Pablo Vargas, Jeyland Mitchell, Carlos Mora, Josimar Alcocer, Orlando Galo, Brandon Aguilera, Manfred Ugalde, Alonso Martinez
Player to Watch
Manfred Ugalde (Costa Rica): The 23-year-old forward is a key player for Costa Rica, arriving after a strong 17-goal season with Spartak Moscow. Ugalde is a sought-after player in the transfer market and has already contributed significantly in the Gold Cup with three goals and an assist. A impactful performance against the USMNT would further increase his profile and potential for a move to a bigger European club. More importantly for the match, Ugalde represents a significant challenge for the USMNT defense, providing a valuable test for their back line.
Storyline to Watch
Could Off-Pitch Distractions Play a Role? The current transfer window is generating buzz around the USMNT squad, with players like Malik Tillman, Patrick Agyemang, and Johnny Cardoso (potentially unavailable due to injury) linked with significant moves. While players state their focus is on the game, it`s natural for speculation about potential life-changing transfers to be a distraction. Additionally, rumors have linked coach Pochettino to other managerial positions, which he has denied. The team will need to manage these external factors effectively. A strong performance and win would help silence the noise, while struggles could allow distractions to become more prominent.
Prediction
Costa Rica has shown improvement and is expected to score in this match. However, the USMNT`s attack has been a standout feature of their Gold Cup campaign so far, driven in part by Malik Tillman`s form. The U.S. is predicted to score enough goals to secure their spot in the semifinals and continue their pursuit of the Gold Cup trophy.
Predicted Score: USMNT 2, Costa Rica 1
Dominic Ashworth