The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) is set to face Costa Rica in the Concacaf Gold Cup Quarterfinals at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 29, 2025. This match presents a significant test for the USMNT as they aim to regain the Gold Cup title.
Costa Rica, led by manager Miguel Herrera, has been integrating new players and transitioning beyond the core that fueled their recent FIFA World Cup appearances. Despite these changes, they still possess a formidable game-changer in legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Navas, now 38 years old and playing for Argentine side Newell's Old Boys, remains a top-tier goalkeeper. Matt Freese, Navas' American counterpart, acknowledged Navas' status as one of the best goalkeepers in CONCACAF history. To advance, Costa Rica will need Navas to be at his best.
The USMNT is entering the knockout stage with confidence after a strong showing in the group stage, winning all three of their matches against Trinidad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti. The team scored eight goals and conceded only one. Malik Tillman has been a standout performer for the USMNT, leading the team with three goals. Diego Luna and Max Arfsten have also contributed significantly, leading the team with two assists each.
However, the match against Costa Rica is expected to be a sterner test. Costa Rica also had an undefeated start to the tournament, finishing second in Group A. They secured a 4-3 comeback victory against Suriname and a 2-1 comeback against the Dominican Republic, followed by a 0-0 draw with Mexico. Josimar Alcócer and Manfred Ugalde have been key players in attack for Costa Rica, with Ugalde leading the team with three goals.
The USMNT defense will need to be prepared to handle Costa Rica's attacking threats, including Manfred Ugalde and Alonso Martinez. Ugalde, who scored 17 goals for Spartak Moscow last season, has already scored three goals and assisted one more in the Gold Cup.
Historically, the USMNT has a favorable record against Costa Rica in the Gold Cup, with 7 wins and 1 draw in their previous eight meetings. Overall, this will be the 44th all-time meeting between the two nations, with the U.S. holding 20 victories to Costa Rica's 17, and 6 draws. However, Costa Rica's lone win in the last six encounters came during the FIFA World Cup Qualifying for Qatar 2022.
Brenden Aaronson emphasized the importance of matching Costa Rica's intensity and speed of play. Tim Ream echoed this sentiment, expecting an aggressive and hard-fought battle. Patrick Agyemang, the Charlotte FC striker, will be key to the USMNT's attack, and he'll need to be clinical against a legendary shot-stopper like Navas.
A win for the USMNT would see them advance to the semi-finals to face the winner of the Canada vs. Guatemala match.
