Penalty shootouts took center stage in the quarterfinals of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. On one side, the United States held its nerve from the spot to eliminate Costa Rica, while Guatemala pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by defeating heavily favored Canada in similar fashion.
This marks only the second time in history that Los Chapines will appear in the semifinals of the Gold Cup, and the excitement is building throughout the nation. Their victory was historic, not just because of the opponent, but also because of the composure shown in high-pressure moments. Guatemala’s goalkeeper became a national hero after saving two penalties and helping secure the spot among the tournament’s final four.
Standing in their way will be a U.S. Men’s National Team led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, which enters the matchup as the clear favorite. Despite not having an easy path, the U.S. side has looked solid throughout the group stage and managed to prevail in a gritty encounter with Costa Rica that tested both their mentality and stamina.
Pochettino’s squad will look to dominate possession, impose their attacking rhythm, and prevent Guatemala from generating momentum early on. However, the Guatemalan team has proven that they can defend with discipline and capitalize on any opportunity, especially when the stakes are high.
Meanwhile, Mexico and Honduras are set to clash in the other semifinal to determine the second finalist. The winners of both matchups will advance to the 2025 Gold Cup Final, which promises to be one of the most highly anticipated editions in recent memory.
see also
Gold Cup 2025 TV Schedule USA and Streaming Links
When and where is USA vs. Guatemala?
The semifinal clash between the United States and Guatemala is scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, with kickoff set for 7:00 PM ET. The game will take place at CityPark in St. Louis, Missouri, a venue known for its passionate crowd and world-class facilities.
