The U.S. Men`s National Team is just one victory away from reaching the Gold Cup final. Their opponent in the final match will be the winner between Mexico and Honduras. While this semifinal pits the USMNT against Guatemala rather than the widely anticipated Canada, it serves as a clear indicator of the growing strength within Concacaf, where any team is capable of winning on a given day. The USMNT themselves experienced a tense moment in their previous fixture against Costa Rica, needing three crucial penalty saves from Matt Freese to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
That hard-fought win against Costa Rica should provide a significant boost for the USMNT heading into this match against Guatemala. Considering Mexico won the last Gold Cup edition, this tournament offers the USMNT a potential chance to seek revenge in the final. Additionally, several players on the current roster are using this opportunity to showcase their skills and make a case for inclusion in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Below is key information regarding the match, including viewing details and odds:
Match Details: USMNT vs. Guatemala
- Date: Wednesday, July 2
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Energizer Park — St. Louis, Missouri
- TV: FS1
- Live stream: Fubo (subscription required)
- Odds: USMNT -400; Draw +450; Guatemala +1000
Recent Encounters
These two teams have not faced each other since 2016, and Guatemala has not managed to score a goal against the USMNT since 2012. While the USMNT defense has had moments of vulnerability, their dominant 4-0 victory in the 2016 meeting suggests a likely outcome for this match. Rubio Rubin has been a standout player in form for Guatemala and will be a key threat the USMNT defense needs to monitor. However, this appears to be a match where the USMNT should comfortable secure an early lead and control the game.
Predicted USMNT 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: Despite missing a penalty kick against Costa Rica, Malik Tillman has arguably boosted his standing the most during this Gold Cup tournament. With three goals and an assist so far, Tillman has been a vital player in the USMNT`s progression and his performances could potentially lead to a transfer, perhaps even to a club like Bayer Leverkusen. Tillman was already considered a likely candidate for the 2026 World Cup squad, but his current displays are making a strong case for him to earn a place in the starting lineup for the tournament. If other players can match his level during this camp, the USMNT will find themselves in a promising position.
Key Storyline
Handling the Favorite Tag: Against Costa Rica, the USMNT seemed to create difficulties for themselves, conceding penalties and showing defensive lapses. This was notable given that Costa Rica did not field their full-strength squad, adding a degree of concern to the result despite the eventual positive outcome. This tendency to self-sabotage is something the team, under new management, needs to address. A convincing performance in this semifinal will be crucial. The USMNT must ensure they are not their own biggest obstacle as the level of competition continues to rise.
Match Prediction
Expect Diego Luna to make an impact with an early goal, setting the tone for the match. From that point on, the game should heavily favor the USMNT. Similar to their opening match in the group stage, the scoreline is likely to be well beyond doubt by halftime, with the USMNT scoring multiple goals to confidently book their place in the Gold Cup final.
Predicted Score: USMNT 5, Guatemala 0
