The USMNT faced Haiti in their final group stage match of the 2025 Gold Cup on Sunday, June 22, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Americans, already qualified for the quarterfinals, aimed for a clean sweep of Group D, while Haiti needed a win and favorable results elsewhere to advance.

The match started with the USMNT in control, and they took the lead courtesy of a Malik Tillman header. However, the USMNT's momentum was disrupted by a costly error from goalkeeper Matt Freese. Freese, who had been enjoying a two-game shutout streak, misplayed a pass, gifting Haiti an easy opportunity to equalize. This mistake allowed Haiti to level the score, changing the complexion of the game.

Despite the blunder, Freese has shown promise throughout the Gold Cup. He was given the starting role by coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is using the tournament to evaluate the wider player pool. Freese had clean sheets in the previous two games against Trinidad and Tobago and Saudi Arabia. Prior to the tournament, Freese spoke about embracing the pressure of being the last line of defense and helping his team, even without receiving glory.

The USMNT's starting XI against Haiti featured several changes from their previous match against Saudi Arabia. Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Quinn Sullivan, and John Tolkin were all inserted into the lineup. For Aaronson, Adams, and Sullivan, this was their first career Gold Cup start, while Tolkin earned his second start in the confederation championship. The lineup had an average age of 25 years, with seven starters aged 25 or younger: Chris Richards, Brenden Aaronson, Patrick Agyemang, Malik Tillman, John Tolkin, Quinn Sullivan, and Alex Freeman.

With a spot in the next round already guaranteed before the Haiti game, Pochettino has been experimenting with the lineup, giving opportunities to players like Freese and Sebastian Berhalter. The big question remains which players will seize this opportunity and break into the full national team, potentially earning a spot on next year's World Cup roster. Haji Wright had to depart from camp due to an Achilles injury. Malik Tillman and Diego Luna have been shining this summer as Pochettino evaluates the team.

The USMNT is unbeaten in its last nine matches against Haiti, dating back to 1976. Prior to this match, their record stood at 4 wins and 5 draws in that span. A win or draw against Haiti would secure the top spot in Group D for the USMNT. Haiti, on the other hand, needed a win and for Trinidad and Tobago to defeat Saudi Arabia to have a chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals.