The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup heats up as the US Men’s National Team prepares to face a surprising Guatemala side in the semifinals. After dramatic quarterfinal victories, both Guatemala and the USMNT will be looking to continue their impressive runs and book a spot in the final.
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Match Details
- Who: USMNT vs. Guatemala
- What: CONCACAF Gold Cup Semifinal
- When: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET
- Where: Energizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri
How to Watch in the US
For fans in the United States, you can catch all the action live:
- TV Channel: TNT and TruTV (English)
- Streaming: DAZN
Match Preview
The USMNT enters this semifinal on the back of a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica in the quarterfinals. They topped Group D with a perfect record, showcasing their attacking prowess with eight goals scored and only one conceded. While their quarterfinal win was a gritty affair, it demonstrated the team’s resilience and goalkeeper Matt Freese’s heroics.
Guatemala, on the other hand, has been the tournament’s Cinderella story. Entering as one of the lowest-ranked teams, they defied expectations by topping Group C and then stunning Canada in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals. Their disciplined defense and opportunistic attack have made them a tough out for any opponent. This marks Guatemala’s first Gold Cup semifinal appearance since 1996, and they will undoubtedly be playing with immense confidence.
This match promises to be a compelling battle between a USMNT squad looking to assert its dominance in Concacaf and a highly motivated Guatemalan team aiming for another upset.
Key Players to Watch
USMNT:
- Chris Richards (Defender): A stalwart in the US defense, Richards has been crucial in anchoring the backline and even contributed with a vital goal in the group stage. His leadership will be key against a tricky Guatemalan attack.
- Malik Tillman (Midfielder): Tillman has been a revelation in this tournament, leading the USMNT with three goals and providing a dynamic presence in midfield. His ability to create and finish chances will be vital.
- Maximilian Arfsten (Forward): With one goal and three assists, Arfsten has been a creative force for the US attack, providing dangerous crosses and passes.
- Matt Freese (Goalkeeper): Fresh off his penalty shootout heroics, Freese will be relied upon to make big saves if the game gets tight.
Guatemala:
- Rubio Rubin (Forward): The former USMNT player has been a standout for Guatemala, scoring two goals and providing an assist, including a crucial equalizer against Canada. His attacking threat will need to be contained.
- Oscar Alexander Santis Cayax (Midfielder/Winger): Santis has contributed a goal and an assist, and his play on the flanks has been instrumental in Guatemala’s offensive pushes.
- Jose Pinto Samayoa (Defender): As a goal-scoring defender with one goal, Pinto can be dangerous on set pieces and provides a solid defensive presence.
Projected Starting Lineups
While the official lineups will be released closer to game time, here’s a projected starting XI for both teams, based on recent performances and tactical considerations:
USMNT (Formation: 4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
- Defenders: Joe Scally, Chris Richards, Auston Trusty, John Tolkin
- Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, Gianluca Busio
- Forwards: Kevin Paredes, Patrick Agyemang, Maximilian Arfsten
Guatemala (Formation: 4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Kenderson Navarro
- Defenders: Aaron Herrera, Jose Pinto, Nicolas Samayoa, Jose Morales
- Midfielders: Stheven Robles, Jose Rosales, Oscar Castellanos
- Forwards: Olger Escobar, Rubio Rubin, Oscar Santis
This semifinal clash promises to be a captivating encounter as both teams battle for a spot in the prestigious Gold Cup final. Don’t miss it!
