Published on Jul 02, 2025
A few weeks ago, the U.S. Men’s National Team appeared to be in disarray. Four straight losses, a fractured identity, and criticism mounting around the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino. But football, especially in tournament form, offers little time to linger on the past. Now, with the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal approaching, the USMNT find themselves with a second chance at relevance, revival, and silverware.
Their opponent? Guatemala a team few expected to be here but one that has grown into the competition with grit and belief. And for Pochettino’s squad, this is more than a match. It’s a test of culture, composure, and progress under pressure.
When Pochettino was appointed as U.S. head coach earlier this year, the decision raised eyebrows. A decorated manager with European pedigree, yes but questions loomed over his ability to adapt to the unique structure and expectations of international soccer in North America.
His start didn’t inspire confidence. The U.S. endured defeats to Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada in quick succession, casting doubt over the team’s tactical setup and internal chemistry. But throughout the early criticism, Pochettino remained resolute.
“We needed time,” he said. “Time to change the culture. Time to instill belief. Time to become a team again.”
And perhaps time is finally paying off.
After drawing 2–2 against Costa Rica in the quarter-finals, the U.S. won a dramatic penalty shootout thanks to Matt Freese’s saves and the calm finishing of Diego Luna, Max Arfsten, and others. It wasn’t flawless, but it was a moment the team—and coach—needed.
“We’ve installed the desire, motive, and drive. Now, we’re playing every single game not just to win, but to be the best and perform for each other.”
The biggest change in this tournament isn’t just results it's how the U.S. plays. Pochettino has reintroduced a high-intensity pressing system, a modern 4–3–3 that flexes into a 4–2–3–1 in transition. Key players like Tyler Adams, Gianluca Busio, and Kevin Paredes have been central to controlling the midfield, while Folarin Balogun and Luna have led the front line with renewed energy.
Matt Freese, perhaps the breakout figure of the knockout stage, has shown confidence and command in goal, solidifying what had been a rotating position for the U.S.
And perhaps most importantly, Pochettino’s man-management is finally clicking. The locker room atmosphere, described by players as “reset” and “more unified,” is a major shift from the toxic post-Nations League climate.
On the other side of the pitch is Guatemala, who arrive in St. Louis as the feel-good story of the tournament. Under head coach Luis Fernando Tena, the Central American side has reached the Gold Cup semifinal for the first time since 1996—a historic feat for a program often overshadowed by its neighbors.
Guatemala stunned Canada in the quarter-finals after a 1–1 draw, winning on penalties and earning their place among the region’s final four. But their path to this moment has been building for months.
Tena has implemented a structured, high-pressing 4–3–3 with clear tactical instructions and a heavy dose of discipline. Players like Aaron Herrera, Nathaniel Méndez-Laing, and José Pinto have flourished under the system, showing that Guatemala are not simply riding momentum—they’re evolving tactically.
“Our goal was never just to participate,” said Tena. “We came to compete. We came to reach the final.”
“They’re well-organized, they believe in their system, and they’ve grown every match. We cannot afford a single mistake.”
Historically, the United States has dominated this matchup. The all-time record stands at 16 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses in favor of the USMNT. The last defeat to Guatemala came in 2016, but recent tournament unpredictability means history offers little comfort.
This isn’t the Guatemala of old, and this isn’t the same U.S. team that stumbled through June.
With a place in the final on July 6 in Santa Clara at stake and a potential rematch against rivals Mexico looming—the stakes are enormous. For Guatemala, it’s legacy-defining. For the U.S., it’s reputation-restoring.
| Fixture | USA vs Guatemala – 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Semifinal |
| Date | Tuesday, July 2 |
| Kick-off | 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT |
| Venue | Energizer Park, St. Louis |
| Broadcast | FS1 (USA), Univision (Spanish), CONCACAF+ (global stream) |
When Sir Alex Ferguson once said, “Lads, it’s Tottenham,” it was shorthand for complacency against an opponent assumed to be inferior. Today, that phrase echoes with a twist. “Lads, it’s Guatemala.” But this version of Guatemala is no longer a side to overlook.
For Mauricio Pochettino, this semifinal is more than a shot at a trophy. It’s a test of the values he’s been preaching unity, effort, and tactical intelligence. If the U.S. succeeds, it could mark the beginning of a new era. If not, the questions around identity and direction may resurface.
One thing is certain: Tuesday in St. Louis will be more than a match it will be a defining moment for both nations.
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