Following a solid performance in the Concacaf Gold Cup group stage, the US Men`s National Team, led by Mauricio Pochettino, is entering the knockout rounds with their sights set on reclaiming the title from Mexico. They face a familiar opponent in Costa Rica, with the clear objective of advancing to meet the winner of the Canada-Guatemala match for a place in the final.
The USMNT defense will face a test against Costa Rican strikers Manfred Ugalde and Alonso Martinez, who are in good form. This challenge is welcome, as Pochettino evaluates players for the 2026 World Cup squad, requiring them to be tested. While the attack has performed well in the Gold Cup so far, the defense has shown occasional vulnerabilities. The knockout stage is the ideal time to tighten things up.
Here`s what you need to know about the match:
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Sunday, June 29
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: U.S. Bank Stadium — Minneapolis, Minnesota
- TV: FOX
- Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: USMNT -180; Draw +280; Costa Rica +500
Last Meeting Overview
In their last encounter, the USMNT played a reduced Costa Rica squad during a January camp this year, winning 2-0. Pochettino`s current squad includes a strong MLS contingent, with players like Jack McGlynn, Diego Luna, Brian White, and Patrick Agyemang who participated in that January match now facing Costa Rica`s full-strength team. This match provides a valuable opportunity for Pochettino to accurately assess the players` progress since January.
Predicted Lineups
USMNT: Matt Freese, Max Arfsten, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Tyler Adams, Luca De La Torre, Malik Tillman, Sebastian Berhalter, Diego Luna, Patrick Agyemang
Costa Rica: Keylor Navas, Joseph Mora, Francisco Calvo, Juan Pablo Vargas, Jeyland Mitchell, Carlos Mora, Josimar Alcocer, Orlando Galo, Brandon Aguilera, Manfred Ugalde, Alonso Martinez
Player to Watch
Manfred Ugalde, Costa Rica: At just 23 years old, Ugalde is a hot transfer prospect after scoring 17 goals for Spartak Moscow in the Russian Premier League last season. He`s already netted three goals and provided one assist in the Gold Cup but was ineffective against Mexico. A strong showing against the USMNT would further increase his profile, potentially leading to a move to a bigger European club. Ugalde also presents a significant test for the USMNT defense, which is beneficial for their development.
Storyline to Watch
Will external distractions affect the game? The transfer window has generated some noise around the USMNT camp, with Malik Tillman linked to Bayer Leverkusen, Patrick Agyemang to Derby County, and ongoing rumors about Johnny Cardoso joining Atletico Madrid. While Cardoso might be sidelined with an ankle injury, and the players claim to be focused on the match, it`s challenging to ignore potential life-changing career moves. These off-field matters need to be set aside, just like the rumors linking Pochettino to the Brentford job. Although the Argentine coach has denied those rumors, there`s a lot to manage simultaneously. A win would help put these distractions behind them, but a poor performance could prolong the issue.
Prediction
Costa Rica has improved and is likely to score in this match. However, the USMNT attack has been a highlight of the tournament, driven by the in-form Tillman. The USMNT should score enough goals to advance to the semifinals and continue their pursuit of the Gold Cup title.
Predicted Score: USMNT 2, Costa Rica 1
Adrian Whitmore