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The Guardian
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Four things we learned from the USMNT's Gold Cup group stage
For as much as the Gold Cup gets denigrated, it's a much tougher tournament than it might appear. The ongoing tournament is the 11th edition in the last two decades, and this year's US are just the 10th team to make it through three group matches unscathed (Panama became the 11th on Tuesday). US manager Mauricio Pochettino has to be pleased with his team's performance. After rough showings in the pre-tournament friendly matches, a 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago was cathartic, while a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a 2-1 victory against Haiti also showed that the US are trying to make winning a habit as their manager has asked. If Pochettino took lessons from those exhibitions and applied them to the tournament, it stands to reason that he'll take the learnings from the group stage and put them toward what the US hopes will be three knockout contests. Here are four things we learned from the USMNT in the group stage: The days ahead of the tournament began were filled with worry about the fact that Christian Pulisic would not be part of the competition, opting for summer rest rather than trying to win what would be his first career Gold Cup title (a decision that caused no shortage of drama and discourse). There is no doubt the US would be a better team with Pulisic, and when he wants to come back into the team, he'll likely go straight back into the XI barring a real showdown with manager Mauricio Pochettino. But in the group stage, the US has shown that it has players in the pool who can provide an attacking spark. Malik Tillman is most notable among them, scoring three goals in the group stage including a pair against Trinidad and Tobago and the opener against Haiti. Consistently dangerous and also hard-working, Tillman has been the breakout star of the tournament, putting the form he has often displayed with PSV on the field with the national team. 'What a player, no? What a player that is showing in this camp his talent and (ability),' Pochettino said. Indeed. It's not just Tillman, a Bayern Munich product who reportedly is drawing interest for a Bundesliga return, who is bolstering the US. Diego Luna continues to inject energy and try to create chances when he's on the field, and Quinn Sullivan certainly isn't afraid to try a few things – notably going for a rabona against Haiti but also putting a number of shots on target and linking up well with Tillman and the other attackers when he's on the field. While Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte had to pull out with injuries, Pochettino's top two goalkeepers remained in camp and look to be in open competition for the starting spot going forward. Or maybe the newer of those faces, NYCFC shot-stopper Matt Freese, is ahead for now. Freese started the first friendly of the summer against Turkey, while previous US No 1 Matt Turner played the friendly match against Switzerland that saw the Americans concede four goals in the first half. While it seems the competition is somewhat cut-throat, Pochettino laughed off the idea that Freese conceding on an error against Haiti would lead to some sort of conversation between the manager and the goalkeeper. 'Remember, the most important action is the next one. If you're thinking about the last one, you're dead. You're going to make another mistake,' Pochettino said. 'This type of accident happens and it'll happen in the future, but we're so happy with him and the quality of our keepers, of course, the way they're supporting each other.' For his part, Freese said he immediately put the error out of his mind and focused on not allowing another goal. 'You have to move on very quickly, so, thankfully, the guys we all support each other in the bad moments and in the good moments,' he said. Sign up to Soccer with Jonathan Wilson Jonathan Wilson brings expert analysis on the biggest stories from European soccer after newsletter promotion We'll see where the coaching staff's thoughts are when the starting lineup comes out against Costa Rica, a team with no goalkeeping battle thanks to anchor Keylor Navas. The US came into the summer hoping they would enjoy the returns of right back Sergiño Dest, left back Antonee Robinson and striker Folarin Balogun. Instead, all three are missing the tournament because of injuries. Though striker Patrick Agyemang has scored twice in the group stage, the balance of his play has yet to convince that he's polished enough at this point in his career to be a consistent option up top. The US needs Balogun and Ricardo Pepi fit and ready to go at the 2026 World Cup. Otherwise, the may find themselves in a situation like 2022, with no great goal-scoring options in a knockout game. A similar dynamic exists among the wide defenders. While Alex Freeman has been a pleasant surprise as a serviceable option at right back, both of Robinson's replacements – Max Arften and John Tolkin – have had a few adventures, and it's clear Robinson is the best American left back by a wide margin. While the US has looked great through three group games, their chief Concacaf rivals haven't. Mexico managed just a draw with Costa Rica, and while they still have far more of their key contributors than the US does, they've struggled to score from open play, even struggling a bit against the Dominican Republic in the opener. Their Gold Cup has seen them relying on set pieces and a defense that is stingy with center back Johan Vázquez back and partnering César Montes once again, allowing Edson Álvarez to break things up in midfield. Canada struggled, and eventually drew, with Curaçao. The US will have no such margin for error now. It wouldn't be out of the question for a team with as much experience and talent as Costa Rica to relish being a stumbling block on the US's road to redemption after the last-place Nations League Final Four finish and the miserable friendlies. A great day from Navas (and perhaps a goal from Alonso Martínez) are both within the realm of possibility. It was a strong start, but the finish will matter much more, not just for this Gold Cup, but for momentum heading into the big show next year.
Fox News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Who is Alex Freeman? U.S. defender on the World Cup, his dad and fútbol over football
Alex Freeman has been asked about Antonio Freeman lately – including what's the favorite highlight of his dad from the NFL days. The younger Freeman readily answers, saying it's his dad's famous game-winning catch in overtime on Monday Night Football from 2000 that even got play-by-play announcer Al Michaels to exclaim "He did what?!" in disbelief. "Very, very important for Packers fans," Freeman said. But Alex is also making his own impression – it's just on a different type of field. At age 20, Freeman is the youngest player on the U.S. men's national team roster at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He's already started all three games for the U.S. at right-back, helping the team reach the tournament's quarterfinals. And he was named this week as This USMNT squad is missing several key stars at the Gold Cup for various reasons. Rest from long seasons. Injuries. Playing in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. But that's given rising talents like Freeman the chance to make a big impression on U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino. So, who is Alex Freeman? Here's what he had to say about his burgeoning soccer career, his dream about reaching the World Cup – and yes, his Super Bowl-winning dad. What was it like to get your first USMNT call-up, and to have it be for something as important as the Gold Cup? Alex Freeman: It means a lot. I feel like this is something that is very important to the U.S., to the team, and to myself. It's an honor to get called up and represent the country at this high-level tournament. It's just something that pushes all of us each day in training and especially in the games, to be able to win and try to get a trophy out of this. Were you expecting to be on this roster or were you surprised? Freeman: I would say I was surprised. I was just grateful to be on the [60-man] preliminary roster. Knowing that I was chosen for that final roster was a very big surprise for me and something that I'm forever grateful for. What has the USMNT camp and the tournament experience been like for you so far? Freeman: It's been good getting to know all the guys. We have a good group here, but also just being able to build chemistry with these guys in practice and everything like that. It's something that, you know, going into this camp that I really wanted to do was be able to get to know the guys' stories, where they come from and all that. And it's been good so far. Did you have expectations that you would be starting and playing as much as you have at this point? Freeman: When I came in, I was just going to work and see what Pochettino wanted and how I could fit his playing style. I didn't think I was going to play this much, but I just have to show [what I can do] when I'm on the field and just take my chances and show him why I deserve to be out there in the first place. What's your favorite highlight from your dad and how many times have you watched it? Freeman: (laughs) My favorite highlight is probably the Monday Night Football catch when he's on the ground and [the ball] hits his shoulder and he kind of catches it and gets up and scores the winning touchdown. It was a rivalry game [against the Vikings], so that was something that was very, very important for Green Bay fans. When I was a kid, I would watch that over and over and over. I'd look up 'Top 10 catches' and it would always be there. It was just a big moment for him and something that I admire. What is your dad's favorite highlight of your career and how many times has he watched it? Freeman: It's probably the one when I had my first start [at Orlando] and scored a goal against Toronto. He has a whole video of himself that he recorded and it's very popular. I think you could just tell in that moment that he was excited and happy. I saw him after the game and he actually couldn't believe it. I feel like that will be a moment he will remember forever. Was it tough to break it to your dad that you were going to play fútbol and not the same football he played? Freeman: It wasn't tough to tell him because he just wanted me to do something that I was passionate about and be able to excel at something. When I was younger, I played all the sports and when it came time, I chose [soccer] and I feel like he was supporting me the whole time. Obviously, it's weird telling your dad, who played another sport, that you want to play [a different sport]. But I feel like at the end of the day, he accepted it and just supported me. How close are you guys? Does he come to all of your games? Freeman: He's been to all the games at the Gold Cup and I think he's coming to the game in Dallas, too. He's just making this his own little vacation. But yeah, he's very supportive. Even in Orlando, he comes to a lot of the games. Who else is part of that support system that comes to your games? Freeman: I have a lot. My mom, my stepdad, and then I have my two little brothers and I feel like they're really the ones that I play for the most because they're the ones who look up to me as an example. And I feel like for them, it's just being able to be that good role model. [Tyler, 15, and Josh, 13] are both soccer players as well and just want to do what I'm doing. So just to be able to guide them in the right direction or any direction they want to go through. They must think you playing for the USMNT is pretty cool then? Freeman: Yeah, yeah. Whenever I go home, I watch them play and they tell all their friends [about my career]. It's good they're able to brag about me a little bit (laughs). Who is the coolest person you've met through your dad? Freeman: I've met a lot of cool people through him. The most notable one I'd say is Scottie Pippen. When I was little, I was a big basketball fan so seeing him was really enjoyable. When did you realize your dad was a Super Bowl-winning wide receiver? Freeman: When I was younger you'd hear about it, but you don't really understand it fully. I think I understood it when I was in middle school. Like in sixth grade I actually started doing research on my dad — it's funny. I realized how inspirational he was not just in Wisconsin, but to football in general. And so I think that was when I really realized how much of an impact he made on the game and in Green Bay. Are the Packers your favorite team? Freeman: Yeah, the Packers are my favorite team. But my second favorite team is probably the Steelers because my stepdad is a big Steelers fan. Who was the first person you called or texted when you found out you made the roster? Freeman: My mom [Rochelle]. What do you like to do when you're not playing soccer? Any cool or unique hobbies? Freeman: I've been getting into golf a lot. And I like to read. Right now I'm reading this book called 'Win The Day' [by Mark Batterson]. It's about being your best self. What's your pre-game meal? Freeman: Pasta and chicken. That's a must. The U.S. women's national team loves to get on TikTok during training camp. Is that something this younger USMNT group does too? Freeman: We don't really post, but we're the type to see a trend on TikTok and do it. We'll make little jokes about it or stuff like that. But the dancing and posting, this isn't really the group that does that. What would it mean to you to be on the U.S. World Cup roster next year? Freeman: It would mean the world to me. That's what every kid dreams of. And I feel like it's something that everyone wants to work towards and be able to get there. And so right now, it's just about putting your head down and putting in that extra work to be able to show the coaches here and to show the world that you're ready to compete at that level against the best. Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. She previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author of "Strong Like a Woman," published in spring 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Follow her at @LakenLitman.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
How to watch Mexico vs Saudi Arabia live: Stream link, TV channel, team news, prediction
Mexico's bid to repeat as CONCACAF Gold Cup champions hits a non-CONCACAF road block on Saturday when tournament invitee Saudi Arabia hits Glendale, Arizona. El Tri won Group A with two wins and a scoreless draw against Costa Rica, while Saudi Arabia beat Haiti and lost to the United States before drawing with Trinidad and Tobago to secure a place in the knockout rounds. Advertisement Mexico are also bidding to become the first 10-time winner of the Gold Cup. For live updates and highlights throughout Mexico vs Saudi Arabia, check out PST's live blog coverage below. How to watch Mexico vs Saudi Arabia live, stream link and start time Kick off time: 10:!5pm ET, Sunday How to watch: FS1, TUDN Stream online: or the FOX Sports app Mexico team news, focus Cesar Montes has been terrific at both ends for El Tri, scoring thrice and overseeing a team which has not allowed a goal since conceding twice in a 3-2 tournament-opening win. West Ham United's Edson Alvarez leads a strong midfield, and Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez give Javier Aguirre plenty of danger up top Saudi Arabia team news, focus The Saudis have only conceded two goals in this tournament, a record bettered only by the USMNT and Canada. They've defended with vigor, racking up hard tackles and clearances as a measure of pride. Al Ittihad back Abdulelah Al Amri has been a standout for the Herve Renard's Green Falcons, but they'll have to find goals to advance in this tournament. Mexico vs Saudi Arabia prediction It's difficult to do this, but do it — forget the fact that the Saudis beat Argentina at the 2024 World Cup. If you're not willing to forget that result, which was three years ago, think of it as the first match of a 2W-9L-1D run that included losses to Oman and Bolivia. Arizona is going to be a veritable home atmosphere for El Tri, who would be favored on a neutral ground, and the Saudis are missing their Al-Hilal representation (12 different Al-Hilal players have been called up in the next 12 months). This would be a stunner if it didn't go the way of Javier Aguirre's El Tri. Mexico 2-0 Saudi Arabia.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals: How to watch, soccer tournament schedule, USMNT games and more
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup has reached the quarterfinals. Just a year out from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Gold Cup is giving fans a chance to check in on the top teams of the region. The tournament runs through July 6, 2025. The U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT) plays its next game on Sunday, June 29 against Costa Rica. Here's what you need to know about tuning into the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, including the full quarterfinals TV schedule, how to watch Gold Cup games without cable and more. How to watch the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Dates: June 14 - July 6 Advertisement TV channels: FS1, FS2, FOX (USMNT games and final) Streaming: DirecTV, Fubo and more What channel are Gold Cup games on? The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup will air across FS1, FS2 and FOX. FS1 will be the main place to catch games, FS2 will host some games, and FOX will air all the USA games and the Gold Cup Final. How to watch the CONCACAF Gold Cup without cable: Watch FS1, FS2, FOX and more Fubo TV Starting at $65 for your first month, Fubo TV's Pro tier gives you access to FS1, FS2, FOX and 100+ more live channels. The live TV streaming service is definitely pricey, but it still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package and will get you access to the Gold Cup. Fubo subscribers also get unlimited cloud DVR storage. The platform offers a free trial period, and you can currently get $20 off your first month. Try free at Fubo How to watch the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a VPN: If you don't have FOX and don't want to add another streaming-service subscription to your life, you could always try tuning in with the help of a VPN. In Central America, all CONCACAF Gold Cup matches will stream live on Disney+, which you may already subscribe to. In the U.K., many Gold Cup matches will stream free with an account on CONCACAF Go and via YouTube. Advertisement Not in either of those places right now? You can still tune in like you are with the help of a VPN. Stream CONCACAF Gold Cup games ExpressVPN The CONCACAF Gold Cup will stream on Disney+ in Central America and free via YouTube in the U.K. ExpressVPN offers "internet without borders," meaning you can tune into the tournament from anywhere. All you'll need to do is sign up for ExpressVPN, change your server location to the U.K. or Central America and find games streaming live on YouTube, via CONCACAF Go or Disney+. ExpressVPN's added protection, speed and range of location options make it an excellent choice for first-time VPN users looking to stretch their streaming abilities, plus it's Engadget's top pick for the best streaming VPN. New users can save 49% when they sign up for ExpressVPN's 12-month subscription. Plus, the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you're nervous about trying a VPN. From $4.99/month at ExpressVPN ● Group Stage: June 14 to 24 ● Quarterfinals: June 28 to 29 ● Semifinals: July 2 ● Final: July 6 Who is playing in the 2025 Gold Cup Quarterfinals? The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup began with 16 national teams: the best 15 from the CONCACAF region, who qualified through the latest edition of the CONCACAF Nations League or the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims, along with one invited guest team, Saudi Arabia. The quarterfinals have pared that field down to eight teams: The United States, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Canada, Guatemala, Panama, and Honduras. 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals schedule: All times Eastern. Advertisement June 28 at 7:15 p.m.: Panama vs. Honduras – State Farm Stadium (FS1) June 28 at 10:15 p.m.: Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia – State Farm Stadium (FS1) June 29 at 4 p.m.: Canada vs. Guatemala – U.S. Bank Stadium (FS1) June 29 at 7 p.m.: United States vs. Costa Rica – U.S. Bank Stadium (FOX) More ways to watch the CONCACAF Gold Cup:
Newsweek
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
CONCACAF Gold Cup Futures Odds, Picks: MEX, USA Favored Entering Quarters
Entering Sunday's quarterfinal match vs. Costa Rica, Patrick Agyemang (right) and the USA have 2-to-1 odds to win the Gold Cup, per DraftKings. Entering Sunday's quarterfinal match vs. Costa Rica, Patrick Agyemang (right) and the USA have 2-to-1 odds to win the Gold Cup, per DraftKings. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. While the USA roster participating in this year's CONCACAF Gold Cup hardly resembles the first-choice XI that we'll see in action at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it's no surprise to see the Americans among the favorites to win the Gold Cup. With group play in the books, eight teams are still alive in the final major international tournament before the 2026 World Cup here in the States next summer. Gold Cup Quarterfinal Schedule, Betting Odds Below is the schedule for the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup. Below are the odds via DraftKings, as of June 25, for all four quarterfinal matchups (all times ET): Panama vs. Honduras, Sat., 7:15 p.m. (PAN -145 // Draw +285 // HON +400) Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia, Sat., 10:15 p.m. (MEX -210 // Draw +310 // SA +600) Canada vs. Guatemala, Sun., 4 p.m. (CAN -300 // Draw +390 // GUA +800) USA vs. Costa Rica, Sun., 7 p.m. (USA -170 // Draw +300 // CR +450) The setup of the bracket means the winner of Canada-Guatemala will take on the winner of USA vs. Costa Rica, while the other semifinal matchup will pit the winners of Panama-Honduras and Mexico-Saudi Arabia. Both Gold Cup semifinal matches will take place on Wednesday, July 2 (7 p.m. and 10 p.m.), followed by the Gold Cup final at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday, July 6. CONCACAF Gold Cup Winner Odds Entering QF Odds (DK, BetMGM) Mexico +150 USA +200 Canada +500 Panama +800 Saudi Arabia +1400 Costa Rica +1600 Honduras +2500 Guatemala +5000 DraftKings and BetMGM both expect the Gold Cup to once again come down to a battle between USA and Mexico. In fact, as of June 27, the Gold Cup winner odds for all eight quarterfinalists are identical at the two sportsbooks. Gold Cup Betting Analysis, Picks, Best Bets Anyone familiar with CONCACAF shouldn't be surprised to see that oddsmakers expect one of the three North American powers -- Mexico, USA or Canada -- to win this tournament. USA and Mexico have alternated as tournament winners of the last seven Gold Cups, with El Tri winning in 2023, 2019, 2015 and 2011, while the Americans won in 2013, 2017 and 2021. This year marks the 18th edition of the Gold Cup, with Mexico (9), USA (7) and Canada (1) having won all 17 previous Gold Cups. USA Gold Cup Betting News, Outlook It's an understatement to call the USA squad at this Gold Cup shorthanded. Key pieces who are out include Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, Sergiño Dest, Yunus Musah, Tim Weah, Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna. Under former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was hired to replace Gregg Berhalter following a disappointing showing at least year's Copa America on U.S. soil, the young American squad took down Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia and Haiti in Gold Cup group play, but it has been far from dominant. And the less said about how this team looked against Turkey and Switzerland in two pre-Gold Cup friendlies, which extended its losing streak under Pochettino to four matches, the better. Mexico Gold Cup Betting News, Outlook Mexico, like USA, has endured a tumultous last few years, including a group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup and an early elimination from last year's Copa America. But under Manager Javier Aguirre -- who is in his third stint as coach of the Mexican national team -- El Tri emerged from group play as the betting favorite over the USA and Canada after beating the Dominican Rebuplic and Suriname and drawing Suriname in the group stage. Canada Gold Cup Betting News, Outlook Canada is expected to handle Guatemala in the quarters. That would likely set up a must-see Canada-USA clash in the Gold Cup semifinals (assuming USA beats Costa Rica). The Canadians not only reached knockout play in the Copa America last summer, but made it to the semifinals, where they lost to Argentina after knocking off Venezuela in the quarters. Two months ago, Canada lost to Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on March 20, but beat USA 2-1 in the third-place match. Well-known Canadian manager Jesse Marsch has been a vocal critic of US Soccer in recent years, and even without Bayern star Alphonso Davies (who is dealing with a torn ACL), Canada will have the best player on the field in Jonathan David if we do get a USA vs. Canada semifinal matchup. 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Best Bets Mexico's (+150) chance to reach the final without playing either the USA or Canada in the semis makes it the safest bet to win its second straight tournament at the expense of its North American rivals. Playing Panama can be a headache in CONCACAF for any opponent (just ask the USA, which lost to Los Canaleros in the semifinals of the 2023 Gold Cup and again in group play during the 2024 Copa America), but I do like Mexico to find a way past Panama if those two meet in the Gold Cup semifinals. Panama might be a tempting longshot in that one, though, after three decisive wins in group play, including a 4-1 beatdown of Jamaica on Tuesday night. But if I have to give a pick and a best value play, I'm going with Mexico as the pick (1 unit) and Canada as the best longshot/value play at +500 (0.25 units) -- Panama is not getting enough respect, but I'm not quite willing to back them to get through El Tri. The Canadians have given the full-strength versions of USA plenty of trouble in recent years, and I expect Marsch to have his side ready to pounce on this uninspiring version of the USMNT. I'd love to be wrong, but USA has just not been good enough lately, and this squad does not have anything resembling the talent advantage it typically boasts. With that in mind, fading this American side under Pochettino is the right move until we're proven otherwise. Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up through the links in this article. See the sportsbook operator's terms and conditions for important details. Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
