Gold Cup: the final four teams’ path to the semifinals

In just one week, the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup champion will be crowned. Before the final, there are two semifinal games. The United States, Mexico, Panama and Jamaica have reached the penultimate round of the top soccer tournament in the confederations of North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

United States - Panama

After its victory over Canada in the quarterfinals, the USMNT advanced and continues to maintain its status as the favorite to win the Gold Cup. The U.S. team struggled more than expected and needed a penalty shootout to advance, after the score was 2-2 at the end of extra time. They will face Panama in the semifinals. The game will be played at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. ET.

The Americans' chances of staying in the tournament depend largely on goalkeeper Matt Turner and forwards Jesus Ferreira (6 goals) and Brandon Vazquez (3), who are first and third, respectively, on the scoring charts.

The Panamanian team advanced to the penultimate round of the Gold Cup after a 4-0 win over Qatar, a team invited to participate in the tournament. Ismael Diaz, who scored 3 goals in the last game and has 4 in the tournament, will be the USMNT's biggest threat.

Mexico - Jamaica

On the other side of the bracket, by defeating them 2-0 in the quarterfinals. “El Tri” left no room for surprise and managed to advance to the semifinals where they will face Jamaica this Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Mexico coach Jaime Lozano, who took the reins just days before the start of the Gold Cup, will lead his squad against a team that has several players playing for big teams in Europe, so they have experience in games of great importance. Mexico will have to be consistent throughout the 90 minutes to counteract the Jamaicans' speed.