CONCACAF Gold Cup Semifinals Preview: USMNT vs. Guatemala, Mexico vs. Honduras

St. Louis, MO / Santa Clara, CA, July 2, 2025 — The knockout stages of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup reach their climax tonight, with two high-stakes semifinal clashes set to determine which nations will contest the final on July 6 in Houston.

USMNT Seeks Redemption Against Resurgent Guatemala
The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) will face a confident Guatemala side at 7:00 p.m. ET in St. Louis. The Americans booked their spot via a dramatic 4–3 penalty‐shootout victory over Costa Rica after a 2–2 draw in regulation, thanks largely to goalkeeper Matt Freese’s heroics in both saves and spot‐kick composure starsandstripesfc.com. Guatemala, meanwhile, stunned Canada 6–5 on penalties following their own 1–1 group‐stage draw—extending Canada’s trophy drought and showcasing a newfound poise in pressure situations theguardian.com.

Mexico and Honduras Renew Regional Rivalry
Later this evening at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, defending Gold Cup champions Mexico will tackle Honduras. Mexico advanced with a measured 2–0 win over Saudi Arabia, demonstrating their trademark attacking fluency and tactical discipline olympics.com. Honduras overcame Panama in an equally tense shootout, prevailing 5–4 after a 1–1 draw, with their backline and midfield stumbling only in spot kicks but ultimately holding firm olympics.com.

Key Matchups and Tactical Battles
In St. Louis, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino will likely field a balanced 4-3-3 formation designed to sustain possession while exploiting Guatemala’s vulnerable wing channels. Central to success will be midfielders Bryan Reynolds and Diego Luna, whose service and transitional speed can turn defense into attack within seconds starsandstripesfc.com. Guatemala coach Jorge “El Zarco” Romero, however, may deploy a compact 5-4-1 block, relying on counter-attacks through speedy forwards such as José Martínez.

Over in Santa Clara, Mexico’s fluid 4-2-3-1 system—anchored by captain Andrés Guardado in midfield—will seek to outnumber Honduras in transitional phases. Honduras manager Thierry Henry’s side, fresh from penalty-shootout resilience, might emboss a high‐press strategy, aiming to disrupt Mexico’s buildup before it reaches the final third.

What’s at Stake
Tonight’s victors will etch their names into regional history and earn the right to contest the Gold Cup final on Sunday, July 6, at NRG Stadium in Houston. For the USMNT, it represents a chance to reclaim continental supremacy; for Mexico, the opportunity to defend a title and secure a record‐setting 10th championship. Guatemala and Honduras, by contrast, chase underdog glory, seeking to upset the established North American order and capture their first-ever Gold Cup crown.

Broadcast and Fan Engagement
Both semifinals will be broadcast live on FOX and streaming via the FOX Sports app (7 p.m. ET: USA vs. Guatemala; 10 p.m. ET: Mexico vs. Honduras) nbcsports.com. Supporters are encouraged to engage on social media using the hashtag #GoldCupSemis and follow official tournament channels for behind-the-scenes coverage, player interviews, and interactive fan polls.

As kickoff approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be two electrifying matches, each carrying weighty national pride and the promise of Gold Cup glory under the bright lights of American soccer’s showcase stages.