After narrowly escaping a penalty shootout with Costa Rica, the United Soccer Men’s National Team will face Guatemala in the semi-finals of the 2025 Gold Cup. Matt Freese silenced critics by making three crucial saves during that shootout and should continue starting for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Guatemala won the previous tournament by defeating Cuba 1-0 and drawing with Canada and Guadeloupe, but losing to Honduras and Nicaragua. As anticipation builds for the Usmnt Vs Guatemala National Football Team Lineups, Guatemala will look to improve on those performances and challenge a strong USMNT side in the 2025 Gold Cup semifinal.
Their blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent could make them a dangerous opponent despite entering the match as underdogs.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Matt Freese |
| Right Back | Alex Freeman |
| Center Back | Chris Richards |
| Center Back | Tim Ream |
| Left Back | Max Arfsten |
| Midfielder | Tyler Adams (Captain) |
| Midfielder | Luca de la Torre |
| Midfielder | Sebastian Berhalter |
| Attacking Midfielder | Malik Tillman |
| Forward | Diego Luna |
| Striker | Patrick Agyemang |
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Kenderson Navarro |
| Right Back | Aaron Herrera |
| Center Back | José Pinto |
| Center Back | Nicolás Samayoa |
| Left Back | José Ardón |
| Midfielder | Rodrigo Saravia |
| Midfielder | Stheven Robles |
| Midfielder | Óscar Santis |
| Winger | Kevin RamÃrez |
| Forward | Rubio RubÃn |
| Forward | Olger Escobar |
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Jul 2025 | Gold Cup Final | Mexico | Lost | 1–2 |
| 02 Jul 2025 | Gold Cup SF | Guatemala | Won | 2–1 |
| 29 Jun 2025 | Gold Cup QF | Costa Rica | Won (Pens) | 2–2 (4–3 pens) |
| 22 Jun 2025 | Gold Cup | Haiti | Won | 2–1 |
| 19 Jun 2025 | Gold Cup | Saudi Arabia | Won | 1–0 |
| 15 Jun 2025 | Gold Cup | Trinidad & Tobago | Won | 5–0 |
| 10 Jun 2025 | Friendly | Switzerland | Lost | 0–4 |
| 07 Jun 2025 | Friendly | Türkiye | Lost | 1–2 |
| 23 Mar 2025 | Nations League 3rd Place | Canada | Lost | 1–2 |
| 20 Mar 2025 | Nations League SF | Panama | Lost | 0–1 |
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Jul 2025 | Gold Cup SF | United States | Lost | 1–2 |
| 29 Jun 2025 | Gold Cup QF | Canada | Won (Pens) | 1–1 (6–5 pens) |
| 24 Jun 2025 | Gold Cup | Guadeloupe | Won | 3–2 |
| 20 Jun 2025 | Gold Cup | Panama | Lost | 0–1 |
| 16 Jun 2025 | Gold Cup | Jamaica | Won | 1–0 |
| 10 Jun 2025 | World Cup Qualifier | Jamaica | Won | 2–1 |
| 06 Jun 2025 | World Cup Qualifier | Dominican Republic | Won | 4–2 |
| 25 Mar 2025 | Gold Cup Qualifier | Guyana | Won | 2–0 |
| 21 Mar 2025 | Gold Cup Qualifier | Guyana | Lost | 2–3 |
| 16 Oct 2024 | Nations League | Costa Rica | Draw | 0–0 |
HISTORY
The United Soccer Men’s National Team and Guatemala have met 27 times in competition, with the USA currently holding an advantage in terms of overall wins.
Each encounter has played a crucial role in each side’s history and future trajectory – often having an influencer effect on these developments. Although this rivalry has seen its share of highs and lows over its 27 year span, it remains one of the most memorable in world football.
The United States is in the midst of its Gold Cup run and will meet Guatemala at Energizer Park in St Louis on Tuesday in a battle for a spot in the final, with only one team likely making it there; whoever emerges victorious will become champion and win their tournament title – 13th time for them!
Both teams have excelled at this year’s Gold Cup competition, making the matchup between USMNT and Guatemala an intense test for both sides. While USMNT won all its group matches without loss while Guatemala surprised everyone by beating top seed Canada in quarterfinals – reaching its first semi final since 1996!
Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT squad are out to make history this summer and need to beat Guatemala in order to reach the final. Led by stars such as Michael Bradley, Tim Howard and Jozy Altidore – including Jozy Altidore himself! Mauricio Pochettino will need a win against Guatemala as their road to glory remains long and treacherous.
Guatemala remains one of their toughest opponents yet which could prove costly against this powerhouse of an opponent like them despite their odds against them being considered favorites by many despite them being heavy favorites themselves this tournament!
Guatemalan national football team is part of CONCACAF, the continental governing body for men’s soccer. Founded in 1919 by Federacion Nacional de Futbol de Guatemala, their national association was accepted into FIFA as an affiliate member in 1946 and then Concacaf in 1961 as one of its founding affiliates; earlier they had previously been members of Central American Football Federation from 1938 – 1961 before officially joining CONCACAF itself in 1961 as founding affiliate.
Since its formation, Guatemala has competed at FIFA World Cup qualifying tournaments alongside participating at other regional competitions such as Central American Games and Olympic qualifying tournaments among many others.
LINEUPS
The United Soccer Men’s National Team are one step away from reaching the Gold Cup final, and they will be heavily favored to defeat Guatemala after they advanced via penalty shootout in their quarterfinal matchup. A win against Guatemala would give momentum going into their last matchup of this tournament.
Matt Freese will likely start as goalkeeper for the United States. The New York City FC goalkeeper made three saves during Costa Rica’s penalty shootout to prove himself to many critics who doubted if he could become their No. 1.
Tim Ream should remain as center back for the USA; although his performance against Panama wasn’t stellar, he’s proven himself reliable for their national team and continues to play well. Tyler Adams should patrol midfield looking to score one goal that sends them into the final. Jack McGlynn should be watched closely as one of their main midfield options.
STORYLINES
On Wednesday evening at St. Louis CITY SC’s Energizer Park, the United States men’s national soccer team will face Guatemala in a 2025 Gold Cup semifinal. The winner will advance to face either Mexico or Honduras on July 6.
The USMNT enter this match ranked fourth in the world and looking to make history by competing in their first semifinal since 1996. This will also serve as an opportunity for their squad to test itself against an international opponent that poses an unique challenge – particularly against one played at an arena with loud and hostile supporters.
Guatemala entered this tournament with high expectations after reaching the quarterfinals of World Cup qualifying cycle under coach Ramon Maradiaga and winning several satisfying friendly matches.
Unfortunately, an unsatisfactory performance at Hexagonal saw No. 106-ranked Guatemala fall 5-0 against Trinidad and Tobago on aggregate; as a result Maradiaga was replaced with Benjamin Monterroso who focused on qualifying Los Chapines to the semifinals as quickly as possible to prevent another disappointing failure to qualify for finals like 2006.
As the tournament progressed, Guatemala played to a scoreless draw against Curacao to finish tied on 10 points; however, Curacao moved forward due to their goal differential with Guatemala.
Monterroso made various substitutions before their last match against Cuba was played to an unceremonious draw; both teams only scored two goals during that matchup.
Monterroso will likely stick with the same team against the United States despite drawing, likely including Oscar Santis and Rubio Rubin who both feature prominently across Europe, with Santis playing with Dinamo Tbilisi and Rubin for FC Volendam and Alania Vladimrov respectively.
On a head-to-head basis, the USMNT leads Guatemala 16-6 overall, including four straight victories over their last five matches between them.
They met during group stage of 1994 World Cup and 2022 World Cup qualifiers – each time USMNT secured victory over Guatemala – while there has only ever been one other competitive match between these sides since this meeting: an exhibition match played in August 2017 that ended 1-1.
PREDICTIONS
When they meet Guatemala in a 2025 Gold Cup semifinal matchup, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will face another test. After beating Costa Rica via penalty shootout win, now it is time to see whether they can continue making waves against Los Chapines (Geo. Chapini sp).
The USMNT have an incredible chance at reaching the final with one more win, though they face a formidable adversary in Guatemala, who advanced via penalty shootout against Canada. They must keep up the intensity and focus shown during their quarterfinal performance if they want to avoid another heartbreak in penalty shootouts like they did two years ago.
Matt Freese has taken over as the starting goalkeeper this summer and he’s performed admirably since taking over for injured Zack Steffen. New York City FC’s goalkeeper saved three shots during penalty shootout against Costa Rica and should begin again against Guatemala.
Tim Ream will make his USMNT debut following an impressive defensive performance against Canada, though his finishing could use improvement and his chances creation should increase for his teammates to create. Ream is considered one of the top options at left back for this team.
Tyler Adams will remain an integral player on the right flank for the USMNT, being one of Charleston Battery defenders who is both powerful and tough – however he needs to find more opportunities for himself. Sebastian Berhalter and Brian White should also play key roles but must show more consistency.
Zack Doherty of LA Galaxy will likely miss the match due to a foot injury, while Jonathan David, Jordan Morris, and Damion Downs are expected to lead the attack for the United States. Usmnt Vs Guatemala National Football Team Lineups are expected to feature Matt Freese in goal, with experienced players like Tim Ream and Tyler Adams providing stability in defense and midfield.
Rubio Rubin could prove dangerous for Guatemala, having scored twice during the tournament, and the Charleston Battery forward will be a key attacking threat capable of troubling the USMNT defense throughout this crucial Gold Cup semifinal.
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