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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.
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.
The Guardian
20 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.
Washington Post
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Unpacking the Christian Pulisic Gold Cup drama
Sports Unpacking the Christian Pulisic Gold Cup drama June 20, 2025 | 8:18 PM GMT The U.S. Men's National Team star has chosen to sit out some games this summer. Ella Brockway and Ava Wallace break down the aftermath of his decision.
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
USMNT vs. Saudi Arabia: Time, how to watch Gold Cup match
USMNT vs. Saudi Arabia: Time, how to watch Gold Cup match Show Caption Hide Caption Weston McKennie: Landon Donovan's dig at Christian Pulisic was sad U.S. Men's National Team standout Weston McKennie reacts to Landon Donovan's comments regarding Christian Pulisic. Sports Seriously The U.S. men's national team ended a four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion on Sunday, June 15, cruising to a 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in its Concacaf Gold Cup opener. The USMNT — which is playing the tournament without a number of its key players, including Christian Pulisic — should get a sterner test from its next Gold Cup opponent: Saudi Arabia. Just two and a half years ago, Saudi Arabia pulled off a World Cup stunner, upsetting eventual champion Argentina in the tournament's group stage in Qatar. In Sunday's win, Malik Tillman was a standout performer for the U.S., scoring two goals. Patrick Agyemang, Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright also scored goals in the rout. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be looking for the team to carry over the impressive form from its Gold Cup opener into its next game against Saudi Arabia. Here's what to know for Thursday night's Concacaf Gold Cup match between the USMNT and Saudi Arabia: The Concacaf Gold Cup group stage game pairing the USMNT with Saudi Arabia is set for 9:15 p.m. ET at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Q2 Stadium is the regular home of Austin FC of Major League Soccer. CONCACAF GOLD CUP: How to watch, game times, USMNT and Mexico schedule Time: 9:15 p.m. ET 9:15 p.m. ET Location: Q2 Stadium (Austin, Texas) Q2 Stadium (Austin, Texas) TV: FS1 (TUDN for Spanish-language broadcast) FS1 (TUDN for Spanish-language broadcast) Stream: Fubo Watch USMNT vs. Saudi Arabia with a free trial of Fubo Sunday, June 15: 5-0 win vs. Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 win vs. Trinidad and Tobago Thursday, June 19: vs. Saudi Arabia, 9:15 p.m. ET (FS1) vs. Saudi Arabia, 9:15 p.m. ET (FS1) Sunday, June 22: vs. Haiti, 7 p.m. ET (FOX) The Gold Cup is a biennial tournament for national teams in the North and Central American and Caribbean region associated with Concacaf. Mexico (nine times), the U.S. (seven times) and Canada (one time) are the only nations to have won the Gold Cup. Mexico won the last Gold Cup competition in 2023. Goalkeepers (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/England) Defenders (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/France), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/Germany), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC) Midfielders (9): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/England); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/England), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/Spain), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands) Forwards (5): Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht/Netherlands), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Damion Downs (FC Köln/Germany), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada), Haji Wright (Coventry City/England)
