US beats Costa Rica and Guatemala advances to Gold Cup semifinals

In penalty shootouts, the United States secured a tense spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals on Sunday by defeating Costa Rica. Guatemala also advanced with a historic victory over Canada.

The Central American squad reached the tournament’s semifinals for the first time in 29 years and will now face Mauricio Pochettino’s Team USA, which on Sunday narrowly avoided its worst regional competition exit in the past 25 years.

Backed by their Minneapolis fans, Pochettino’s alternative squad drew 2-2 with Costa Rica after 90 minutes and won 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout.

Freese, local hero as he saved three penalties

Goalkeeper Matt Freese became the local hero by saving three penalty kicks—from veterans Juan Pablo Vargas and Francisco Calvo, and young Andy Rojas. “Penalties are my thing,” the New York City goalkeeper said with a smile. “On the plane to Minnesota, I was studying penalty shots so I’d be ready if we needed it.”

Keylor Navas, Costa Rica’s iconic goalkeeper, also saved John Tolkin’s shot, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a defeat that his coach, Mexico’s Miguel Herrera, acknowledged as a failure.

“Our goal was to reach the final and compete for the title,” said the former El Tri coach. “This match leaves me with many positives and plenty to work on. It’s an important lesson—we had a great tournament, but we want more.” The Costa Rican squad had hoped to capitalize on the United States’ many absences, missing nearly all of its regular star players, including Christian Pulisic.

A tie... and thanks

Francisco Calvo, one of the last remnants of Costa Rica’s golden generation, struck first at US Bank Stadium with a penalty goal in the 12th minute. The home team had a chance to equalize from the spot in the 37th minute, but Malik Tillman’s penalty hit the right post.

Pochettino’s men responded with a fortunate goal from Diego Luna in the 43rd minute and took the lead just after halftime thanks to an attacking play finished by Maximilian Arfsten in the 47th. However, the calm on the home bench was short-lived, as Alonso Martínez equalized in the 71st minute following a brilliant individual run down the right flank by Carlos Mora.

The New York City striker had a great chance to secure a brace and avoid penalties with a shot that struck the post in the 85th minute.

Uncertainty looms over Pochettino’s plan ahead of World Cup

A quarterfinal loss—the first for the U.S. since 2000—would have increased pressure on Pochettino, who has delivered modest results just a year before the U.S. hosts the World Cup.

For the Argentine coach, the challenging match against Costa Rica was a valuable learning experience for the young group of players he currently leads.

“The players showed great character, and it’s good for them to experience this together,” he said. “In penalties, anything can happen, but I remained calm and confident in my players.”

Guatemala, surprise guest in semifinals

The United States will face Guatemala on Wednesday in St. Louis, Missouri, competing for a spot in the final. On the same day, defending champions Mexico will take on Honduras in Santa Clara, California.

Guatemala, coached by Mexican Luis Fernando Tena, is the tournament’s biggest surprise in the semifinals, thanks to Sunday’s 6–5 penalty shootout victory over Canada following a 1–1 draw.

Canadian defeat

The Americans, competing in the Gold Cup without their star player Alphonso Davies, took the lead in the 30th minute with a penalty goal by striker Jonathan David. Guatemala stayed composed, and just before halftime, a key moment came with the sending off of Canada’s Jacob Shaffelburg.

The Nashville MLS winger received his second yellow card in the 45+4th minute for elbowing Stheven Robles during a battle for the ball in the center circle.

Guatemala capitalized on their extra player, leveling the score with a powerful header from Rubio Rubin in the 69th minute. In the penalty shootout, Canada’s Cyle Larin and Luc De Fougerolles missed their shots, dealing a tough blow to the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host.