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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.
Fox Sports
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
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 . FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Alex Freeman United States Gold Cup recommended Get more from United States Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
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:
Fox Sports
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Gold Cup roundtable: Should the U.S. fear Canada or Mexico more?
Next up for the U.S. men's national team is a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals clash against Costa Rica on Sunday (7 p.m. ET on FOX). To recap their group stage. A 5-0 drubbing of Trinidad & Tobago, followed by 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia (an invited team to the tournament) and then an entertaining 2-1 victory over Haiti. Those aren't the biggest brand-name wins, but that's okay. The way the U.S. entered the tournament amid drama of which players are here (and who isn't), any positive momentum for coach Mauricio Pochettino and his crew was welcome. So, which players have made the most of it with the 2026 World Cup next summer? Can the U.S. finish this Gold Cup as winners? Here's what stood out from the group stage of the Gold Cup and what's for this weekend's quarterfinals. Which USMNT player has made the best case for a World Cup spot? McIntyre: Malik Tillman, without a doubt. Three years after almost making the 2022 World Cup roster as a 20-year-old, Tillman began 2025 as a coin flip for next summer. But with three goals in three games at this Gold Cup, he's staking a claim for a starting spot at main event — even when regulars like Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah return. The silky attacker seems well-suited to occupy a central playmaking role between Pulisic and Weah — the job Gio Reyna has at times filled for the U.S. Tillman's emergence this month is more bad news for Reyna, who didn't play in either of Borussia Dortmund's first two matches at the FIFA Club World Cup. But it's great for Tillman and the USMNT. Litman: Outside of Tillman, I would say Sebastian Berhalter has raised his profile. He was especially noticeable against Saudi Arabia, where he won most of his one-on-one battles and stood up for Tyler Adams when he was pushed to the ground. Berhalter has been extra impressive when it comes to set pieces, too, offering a perfect ball on Chris Richards' goal in that same match. Set pieces have been a thorn in the USMNT's side. In the past, Christian Pulisic has taken them – the overall service was suboptimal and the Americans didn't capitalize enough. Berhalter, meanwhile, offers this critical skill set that will be important for Mauricio Pochettino to take into consideration when he's mulling over roster selection for the 2026 World Cup. Who has been the biggest surprise at this Gold Cup? McIntyre: It has to be Panama's Ismael Diaz. Díaz scored five goals in the group stage, leapfrogging Tillman and into the top spot in the Golden Boot race with his hat trick against Jamaica on Tuesday. I know he also scored a hat trick in the 2023 Gold Cup, but his production so far is still a surprise. Litman: It was surprising to see Jamaica eliminated in the group stage. The Reggae Boyz went 1-2 in the group stage to skid to a third-place finish in Group C. They were surprisingly upset by Guatemala 1-0 in their first match (after beating that same squad 3-0 the week prior) and were crushed by Panama 4-1 in the third match to seal their fate. Mexico and Canada: What has stood out from the biggest rivals? McIntyre: I don't think either has looked invincible, or even all that good, at this Gold Cup. El Tri struggled to beat the Dominican Republic and settled for a scoreless tie with a banged up and shorthanded Costa Rican side (though add my name to the list of people who think Santi Gimenez's late golazo should've counted). Meantime, Les Rouges have been wholly unconvincing since their tourney-opening thumping of Honduras. Canada couldn't beat Curaçao in their second match, and they couldn't score in Tuesday's group finale until El Salvador had been reduced to nine men. They're also missing their best player in captain Alphonso Davies — and maybe some swagger because of it. Litman: I'll take Canada. From the controversy around manager Jesse Marsch which resulted in a two-game suspension, to the team tying Curaçao and only beating El Salvador 2-0 when they were down two men doesn't give good feelings that this is a team who has what it takes to win it all. If they're not careful, Canada could be ousted by Guatemala in the quarters this weekend. True or False: Will the U.S. win the Gold Cup? McIntyre: False. I think the U.S gets past Los Ticos and advances to Wednesday's semifinal against either Canada or Guatemala. Beating Canada won't be easy, though not impossible, assuming they prevail as expected. But beating Canada and then either Panama or especially Mexico, who'd take the field for the finale in front of a sea of green shirts in Houston on July 6, might be a little bit beyond a U.S. squad that is missing more than a dozen of its top players. Can it happen? Sure. It did in 2021. This group, like that one, is tight off the field and has been building momentum on it. If they play their hearts out, play together and get a bounce or two, they can win this thing. I just wouldn't bet on it. Litman: True. The USMNT should beat Costa Rica in the quarterfinal and advance to the semi, where it would face the winner of Canada-Guatemala. If it's Canada, the U.S. has an opportunity for Nations League revenge. And if this motley crew of an American squad can come together and do that, they would have the momentum to potentially take on a quality Mexico squad in the final. Playing El Tri in front of what would likely be a pro-Mexico crowd in Houston will be challenging, but that's the kind of test the team needs a year before the World Cup. Plus, wouldn't it be quite the story if the USMNT came together after all the pre-tournament drama and raised the Gold Cup trophy? Doug McIntyre is a soccer reporter for FOX Sports who has covered United States men's and women's national teams at FIFA World Cups on five continents. Follow him @ ByDougMcIntyre . 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 . recommended Get more from FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
