The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) clinched a spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final with a 2-1 victory over Guatemala on July 2 at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The win sets up a highly anticipated showdown against rival Mexico in the championship match.
Midfielder Diego Luna emerged as the standout performer, netting both goals for the U.S. within the first 15 minutes. In the fourth minute, Luna capitalized on a rebound from a shot by Luca de la Torre, slotting the ball past Guatemalan goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro. Eleven minutes later, Luna doubled the lead with a solo effort, maneuvering past defenders before firing a low shot into the net .
Luna, a 21-year-old Real Salt Lake player, has been instrumental in the USMNT’s Gold Cup campaign, scoring in consecutive matches and solidifying his position as a key contributor ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the early deficit, Guatemala displayed determination and resilience. The team, backed by a fervent fan base, applied consistent pressure throughout the match. Their efforts were rewarded in the 80th minute when Olger Escobar, an 18-year-old Massachusetts native, scored to narrow the gap .
Guatemalan head coach Luis Fernando Tena expressed pride in his team’s performance, highlighting their character and determination in the face of adversity. Tena also acknowledged the passionate support from Guatemalan fans, which created an electrifying atmosphere in the stadium .
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino commended the Guatemalan supporters for their unwavering enthusiasm. He noted that the atmosphere felt akin to an away match, emphasizing the deep cultural connection between the Guatemalan team and its fans. Pochettino suggested that American fans could learn from such passionate support, especially with the upcoming World Cup on home soil .
The U.S. team’s journey to the final has been marked by strong performances, including group stage victories over Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti. In the quarterfinals, the USMNT edged past Costa Rica in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time .
Mexico, the defending Gold Cup champions, secured their place in the final with a 1-0 semifinal win over Honduras. The final between the U.S. and Mexico will be the eighth time the two teams have met in a Gold Cup final, with Mexico holding a 5-2 advantage in previous championship encounters .
The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. local time. The match will be broadcast on Fox, Univision, and TUDN, with tickets starting at $154.35 .
As both teams prepare for the final, the USMNT aims to secure its eighth Gold Cup title, while Mexico seeks a record-extending tenth championship. The match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, showcasing the intense rivalry between the two soccer powerhouses.
