Usmnt Vs Costa Rica National Football Team Lineups are a major talking point as the USMNT return to action in the 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinals against Costa Rica.
The match will test the squad’s depth, discipline, and tactical flexibility as Mauricio Pochettino’s side aims to secure a place in the semifinals against one of CONCACAF’s strongest opponents.
Malik Tillman and Patrick Agyemang produced an exciting combination which dismantled the defense, but his low shot narrowly missed hitting the post.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Matt Freese |
| DF | Alex Freeman |
| DF | Chris Richards |
| DF | Tim Ream (Captain) |
| DF | Max Arfsten |
| MF | Tyler Adams |
| MF | Luca de la Torre |
| MF | Sebastian Berhalter |
| FW | Diego Luna |
| FW | Malik Tillman |
| FW | Patrick Agyemang |
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Keylor Navas |
| DF | Carlos Mora |
| DF | Alexis Gamboa |
| DF | Juan Pablo Vargas |
| DF | Francisco Calvo |
| MF | Orlando Galo |
| MF | Alejandro Bran |
| MF | Brandon Aguilera |
| FW | Kenneth Vargas |
| FW | Alonso MartÃnez |
| FW | Josimar Alcócer |
| Date | Competition | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Jun 2025 | CONCACAF Gold Cup QF | Minneapolis, USA | USA 2–2 Costa Rica (USA won 4–3 pens) |
| 22 Jan 2025 | International Friendly | Orlando, USA | USA 3–0 Costa Rica |
| 30 Mar 2022 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | San José | Costa Rica 2–0 USA |
| 13 Oct 2021 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Columbus, USA | USA 2–1 Costa Rica |
| 09 Jun 2021 | International Friendly | Sandy, USA | USA 4–0 Costa Rica |
| 01 Feb 2020 | International Friendly | Carson, USA | USA 1–0 Costa Rica |
| 02 Feb 2019 | International Friendly | San Jose, USA | USA 2–0 Costa Rica |
| 22 Jul 2017 | CONCACAF Gold Cup SF | Arlington, USA | USA 2–0 Costa Rica |
| 07 Jun 2016 | Copa América Centenario | Chicago, USA | USA 4–0 Costa Rica |
| 13 Oct 2015 | International Friendly | New Jersey, USA | Costa Rica 1–0 USA (played in USA) |
1. Keylor Navas
As Costa Rica’s all-time leading goalkeeper, Navas stands to make history. Hailing from Saprissa’s youth academy and having won most valuable player at 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, the 37-year-old now plies his trade at La Liga club Levante.
The USMNT will return with the same lineup that successfully navigated their first two Group D matches, except Haji Wright who has been suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Mauricio Pochettino will rely on Chris Richards and Tim Ream as defenders while Tyler Adams will captain. Midfielders Luca de la Torre is set to make his tournament debut along with Max Arfsten and Sebastian Berhalter who will all make an appearance.
Up front, Charlotte FC striker Patrick Agyemang should continue in his current role. The group boasts 21 caps between them; seven starters aged 25 or younger made their debut – such as midfielder Malik Tillman and forward Diego Luna who each scored two goals during Gold Cup play-offs.
2. Kenneth Vargas
One year ahead of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USMNT must ease some of its critics by defeating one of Concacaf’s more dangerous sides – Costa Rica in Minneapolis will provide a stern examination of how well their abilities match up against that of the U.S. side at quarterfinal stage.
After suffering some injuries in their group stage games, Haji Wright will miss the remainder of this tournament with an Achilles injury while both Tyler Adams and Damion Downs remain nursing knocks.
Mauricio Pochettino has chosen to make just three changes from his lineup that faced Haiti, replacing Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter with Alex Freeman and Max Arfsten for Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter respectively.
That will see both Luca de la Torre and Diego Luna make their first Gold Cup knockout round appearances for USA; as well as both Patrick Agyemang and Malik Tillman starting together for the first time ever in any tournament match.
3. Alejandro Bran
Costa Rica men’s national football team is among the most accomplished in Central American, having won three CONCACAF championship titles and six World Cup appearances. Costa Rica also participated in an unprecedented 23 games at Copa America; second only to Brazil for winning eight matches outright.
In the quarterfinals, USA are up against an experienced Costa Rica team which finished second in its group behind Mexico and will be eager for victory. USMNT hope to maintain their impressive defensive form from group play and build momentum ahead of more difficult matches in semifinals and final.
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen will make his return since March 30, 2022, when the USMNT qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Tim Ream joins him at the heart of defense while Malik Tillman seeks his third goal in four matches tonight.
On top, Luca de la Torre returns for five consecutive matches; Chris Richards and Tyler Adams will form part of his midfield group while Max Arfsten and Sebastian Berhalter provide support in attack.
4. Juan Pablo Vargas
Juan Pablo Vargas will make his United Soccer Football National Team knockout round debut tonight against Costa Rica, playing alongside fellow newcomer Chris Richards in central defense and alongside familiar faces such as Luca de la Torre from his time with Lobos BUAP squad and goalkeeper Matt Freese. Patrick Agyemang and Diego Luna may also appear for their respective countries tonight.
The USA should have an excellent chance at reaching the semifinals against one of CONCACAF’s premier sides, Los Ticos. This matchup will be physically demanding for both sides, so both teams should avoid engaging in any physical contact that could lead to yellow card accumulation issues in this encounter.
Mauricio Pochettino may need to make lineup decisions as either Sebastian Berhalter or Tyler Adams could potentially receive cautions that prevent their participation in any subsequent semi-final matches.
5. Luis Aguilera
Pochettino will rely on his winning formula from Group Stage, with veterans like Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman remaining on defense alongside youngsters Chris Richards, Max Arfsten and Sebastian Berhalter in midfield and attacking attackers such as Malik Tillman and Diego Luna joining Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup in attack. Upfront Haji Wright may miss out due to injury; Emeka Eneli and Indiana Vassilev could replace Haji Wright on attack instead.
The United States holds a 20W-17L-6D overall record against Costa Rica, as well as 7W-0L-1D in Gold Cup quarterfinal matches. Costa Rica finished second in Group C behind Mexico and have a powerful squad capable of punishing any defensive slipups;
However, their lack of depth could thwart further advancement. For more USMNT news and updates CLICK HERE and subscribe on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter; Sunday’s Gold Cup quarterfinal will air live on FOX and Univision&TUDN (Spanish language only).
6. Jose Calvo
The USMNT have struggled in their two previous quarterfinal matches at this year’s Gold Cup, going to extra time both times before losing. For this match-up against Costa Rica, however, Mauricio Pochettino should field similar squad members that survived group stage play although some lineup changes could occur should Tyler Adams or Malik Tillman receive yellow cards.
To advance to the semifinals, the United States will also need to score more goals than they did against Haiti and Saudi Arabia. They do have several scoring options available to them up top including Manchester City forward Manfred Ugalde and New York City FC striker Alonso Martinez.
Diego Luna gave USA strikers an early lead they wouldn’t relinquish when he scored from inside 18-yard box following Max Arfsten’s pass by collecting Max Arfsten’s pass inside 18 yards and shooting past Keylor Navas of Costa Rica goalkeeping team for his first international goal – Malik Tillman also nearly added one in second half, but his shot struck off left post instead.
7. Manfred Ugalde
Costa Rica has been one of the most successful teams in Central America, participating six times at the FIFA World Cup. They are notable for winning three CONCACAF Championship titles – becoming the first team from any region to achieve such feat. Furthermore, seven CCCF Championships and eight Copa Centroamericana championships have also been secured by them.
The USMNT will attempt to maintain their strong defensive performance against Costa Rica, who have allowed only one goal throughout Group Stage play. Mauricio Pochettino will make three changes from their lineup against Haiti; Sebastian Berhalter, Max Arfsten and Diego Luna will all join the starting XI for this contest.
Costa Rica earned their place at the 2024 World Cup through qualifying, finishing fourth place in Group F behind United States. Starting off by drawing against Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Bahamas (2-2), Costa Rica went on to win five of six matches to qualify for an inter-confederation play-off at Al Rayyan before defeating New Zealand 1-0 and sealing their spot in tournament.
8. Alonso Martinez
Martinez has proven his worth to NYCFC since joining them in 2024, playing an incredibly productive role as both an agile winger and versatile striker. A former FC Barcelona player, Martinez scored 16 goals during his inaugural campaign with NYCFC and has played an instrumental part in their drive toward playoff contention.
Costa Rica is a team with a proud tradition in Central American football and boasts the highest average Football Elo Ranking. Costa Rica has qualified for six FIFA World Cup tournaments – reaching the knockout phase two times!
Costa Rica has earned several international titles, such as seven CCCF Championships and eight Copa Centroamericana, and has twice participated in Olympic Games.
Costa Rica may have finished second behind Mexico in their Gold Cup group, but they remain an intimidating opponent with a disciplined squad and experienced players.
The Usmnt Vs Costa Rica National Football Team Lineups highlight an exciting contest, as the United Soccer Men’s National Team aims to build on its strong group-stage performances and make a statement in Minneapolis.
However, their progress could be affected by injuries to forward Haji Wright and midfielders Damion Downs and Tyler Adams, which may force Mauricio Pochettino to adjust his starting XI against a resilient Costa Rican side.
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