The Concacaf Gold Cup Semifinal on July 2, 2025, delivered everything that the tournament’s knockout stages promise — early goals, relentless pressure, a late scare, and a final whistle that sent the host nation marching to the Gold Cup Final. In one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the summer, the USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team clash at St. Louis’s Energizer Park captivated soccer fans across the continent. A brace from 21-year-old Diego Luna inside the first 15 minutes proved decisive as the United States defeated Guatemala 2–1, booking their place in a record 13th Concacaf Gold Cup Final.
From the USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team lineups that head coach Mauricio Pochettino named to the tactical battle that unfolded over 90 minutes, this was a match full of moments that will be discussed for years. Guatemala, fresh from their stunning quarterfinal upset of Canada, arrived as plucky underdogs with belief, organization, and a burning desire to upset the tournament hosts again. For the first 15 minutes, though, it was all USA.
This comprehensive article covers every angle — confirmed lineups, match timeline, USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team stats, tactical analysis, player ratings, head-to-head history, and full FAQs — to give you the complete picture of one of 2025’s most memorable CONCACAF nights.
Disclaimer: All match details, statistics, lineups, and event information for the USMNT vs Guatemala Concacaf Gold Cup Semifinal 2025 are based on available data at the time of writing and may be subject to updates or corrections. This content is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any official football organization or governing body.
Match Overview
General Match Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | United States vs Guatemala |
| Competition | 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup – Semifinal |
| Date | Wednesday, July 2, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 6:00 PM CT / 7:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Energizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri |
| Attendance | 22,423 (Sold Out) |
| Weather | 85°F, Sunny |
| Result | USA 2 – 1 Guatemala |
| Referee | Oshane Nation (Jamaica) |
| AR1 | Caleb Wales (Trinidad & Tobago) |
| AR2 | Ojay Duhaney (Jamaica) |
| Fourth Official | Ismael Cornejo (El Salvador) |
The sellout crowd of 22,423 at Energizer Park, partly fuelled by the significance of captain Tim Ream playing in his hometown of St. Louis, created an electric atmosphere from the first whistle. Pochettino had made a bold tactical decision: he kept the same starting lineup that performed so well in the quarterfinal against Costa Rica, trusting continuity and cohesion over rotation.
USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team Lineups
The confirmed USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team lineups reflected both teams’ strategic approaches heading into the semifinal. Pochettino placed trust in a settled group, while Guatemala coach Luis Fernando Tena deployed a disciplined defensive shape designed to frustrate the Americans.
USA Starting XI
| # | Player | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Matt Freese | Goalkeeper | Career-high 4 saves |
| 16 | Alex Freeman | Defender (RB) | Assisted Luna’s 1st goal |
| 3 | Chris Richards | Defender (CB) | Booked (45+1′) |
| 13 | Tim Ream © | Defender (CB) | Captain, hometown game |
| 18 | Max Arfsten | Defender (LB) | Sub off 85′ |
| 4 | Tyler Adams | Midfielder (DM) | Sub off 77′ |
| 14 | Luca de la Torre | Midfielder (CM) | Sub off 58′, booked |
| 8 | Sebastian Berhalter | Attacking Midfielder | Key buildup play |
| 17 | Malik Tillman | Attacking Midfielder | Assisted Luna’s 2nd goal |
| 10 | Diego Luna | Midfielder | Brace (4′, 15′), MOTM |
| 24 | Patrick Agyemang | Striker | Sub off 85′ |
USA Substitutes Used
| # | Player | Came On | Replaced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Brenden Aaronson | 58′ | Luca de la Torre |
| 6 | Jack McGlynn | 77′ | Tyler Adams |
| 2 | John Tolkin | 77′ | Diego Luna |
| 5 | Walker Zimmerman | 85′ | Max Arfsten |
| 9 | Damion Downs | 85′ | Patrick Agyemang |
USA Unused Substitutes
| # | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Matt Turner |
| 7 | Quinn Sullivan |
| 12 | Miles Robinson |
| 20 | Nathan Harriel |
| 21 | Paxten Aaronson |
| 22 | Mark McKenzie |
| 23 | Brian White |
Guatemala Starting XI
| # | Player | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Kenderson Navarro | Goalkeeper | |
| 7 | Aaron Herrera | Defender (RB) | |
| 4 | José Pinto © | Defender (CB) | Captain |
| 3 | Nicolás Samayoa | Defender (CB) | |
| 16 | José Morales | Defender (LB) | Late chance saved by Freese |
| 13 | Stheven Robles | Midfielder | Sub off 65′, booked |
| 5 | José Rosales | Midfielder | Sub off 65′ |
| 11 | Rudy Muñoz | Midfielder | Sub off 65′ |
| 10 | Pedro Altán | Attacking Midfielder | Sub off 70′ |
| 9 | Rubio Rubín | Striker | Sub off 70′ |
| 18 | Óscar Santis | Midfielder | Booked (90+4′) |
Guatemala Substitutes Used
| # | Player | Came On | Replaced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Jonathan Franco | 65′ | Stheven Robles |
| 17 | Óscar Castellanos | 65′ | José Rosales |
| 20 | Olger Escobar | 65′ | Rudy Muñoz |
| 19 | Arquímidez Ordóñez | 70′ | Pedro Altán |
| 14 | Darwin Lom | 70′ | Rubio Rubín |
Guatemala Unused Substitutes
| # | Player |
|---|---|
| 2 | Jose Ardón |
| 6 | Erick Lemus |
| 8 | Rodrigo Saravia |
| 21 | Luis Morán |
| 23 | William Cardozo |
| 24 | Carlos Aguilar |
| 25 | Kevin Ramírez |
USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team Timeline – Match Events
The USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team timeline was defined by a stunning opening period from the USA and a determined second-half fightback from Guatemala that nearly forced extra time.
| Time | Event | Player | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ | ⚽ Goal | Diego Luna | USA | 1–0 |
| 15′ | ⚽ Goal (assist: Malik Tillman) | Diego Luna | USA | 2–0 |
| 45+1′ | 🟨 Yellow Card | Chris Richards | USA | — |
| 49′ | 🟨 Yellow Card | Stheven Robles | GUA | — |
| 51′ | 🟨 Yellow Card | Diego Luna | USA | — |
| 55′ | 🟨 Yellow Card | Luca de la Torre | USA | — |
| 58′ | 🔄 Substitution (off: de la Torre, on: Brenden Aaronson) | — | USA | — |
| 65′ | 🔄 Triple Substitution | Robles→Franco, Rosales→Castellanos, Muñoz→Escobar | GUA | — |
| 70′ | 🔄 Double Substitution | Altán→Ordóñez, Rubín→Lom | GUA | — |
| 77′ | 🟨 Yellow Card | Matt Freese | USA | — |
| 77′ | 🔄 Double Substitution (Adams→McGlynn, Luna→Tolkin) | — | USA | — |
| 80′ | ⚽ Goal (assist: Arquímidez Ordóñez) | Olger Escobar | GUA | 2–1 |
| 85′ | 🔄 Double Substitution (Arfsten→Zimmerman, Agyemang→Downs) | — | USA | — |
| 90+4′ | 🟨 Yellow Card | Óscar Santis | GUA | — |
| 90+4′ | 🧤 Key Save (Freese stops Morales) | Matt Freese | USA | — |
| 90+5′ | ⏱ Full Time | — | — | USA 2–1 GUA |
First Half Summary
The opening 45 minutes belonged almost entirely to the USA. Luna’s brace was a thing of beauty — opportunistic and composed. Guatemala struggled to get any foothold as the USMNT pressed high and moved the ball quickly between Berhalter, Tillman, and Agyemang.
Second Half Summary
Guatemala came out transformed after halftime, and Tena’s triple substitution at the 65th minute — bringing on Escobar, Ordóñez, and Castellanos — completely changed the match’s dynamic. Escobar’s 80th-minute goal set up a frantic finish, but Freese’s brilliant late save on Morales sealed the USA’s progression.
USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team Stats
The USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team stats tell the story of a match where Guatemala dominated possession of opportunities in the second half, but the USA’s clinical early finishing proved the difference.
| Statistic | USA | Guatemala |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 1 |
| Total Shots | 12 | 20 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 5 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 4 (Freese) | 4 (Navarro) |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Total Fouls | 15 | 15 |
| Total Fouls Combined | — | 30 |
| Attendance | 22,423 (Sellout) | — |
| Competition Stage | Semifinal | — |
Note: Guatemala outshot the United States 20–12 overall, underscoring how dangerous they became after the triple substitution at the 65th minute.
Player Ratings
USA Player Ratings
| Player | Position | Rating | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Freese | GK | 8.5 | Career-high 4 saves; denied Morales in injury time |
| Alex Freeman | RB | 7.5 | Assisted Luna’s opening goal with well-timed cross |
| Chris Richards | CB | 7.0 | Solid defensively; booked in stoppage time |
| Tim Ream | CB | 7.5 | Commanding captain in hometown, led backline |
| Max Arfsten | LB | 6.5 | Dependable before being replaced at 85′ |
| Tyler Adams | DM | 7.0 | Brought energy and composure; subbed off at 77′ |
| Luca de la Torre | CM | 7.0 | Created danger before yellow card forced early exit |
| Sebastian Berhalter | AM | 7.5 | Clever link-up; key to second goal build-up |
| Malik Tillman | AM | 8.0 | Third career assist; pulled strings in final third |
| Diego Luna | MID | 9.5 | First career brace; MOTM; 2 goals in 11 minutes |
| Patrick Agyemang | ST | 6.5 | Involved in buildup for goals; subbed off 85′ |
Guatemala Player Ratings
| Player | Position | Rating | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenderson Navarro | GK | 6.5 | Made 4 saves but spilled shot for Luna’s first |
| José Morales | LB | 6.5 | Dangerous in second half; denied by Freese late |
| Nicolás Samayoa | CB | 6.5 | Organized but overwhelmed in first 15 minutes |
| José Pinto | CB | 7.0 | Captained well, improved as match went on |
| Aaron Herrera | RB | 6.5 | Steady on the right flank |
| Óscar Santis | MID | 6.5 | Disciplined until late yellow in stoppage time |
| Olger Escobar | MID/SUB | 8.0 | Came on at 65′, scored pivotal goal at 80′ |
| Arquímidez Ordóñez | ST/SUB | 7.5 | Energetic; assisted Escobar’s goal; gave USA problems |
| Rubio Rubín | ST | 6.0 | Struggled to make impact before substitution |
| Pedro Altán | AM | 6.0 | Quiet before being replaced at 70′ |
Tactical Analysis
USA’s 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 System
Pochettino set up the USMNT in a flexible 4-2-3-1 that quickly morphed into a 4-3-3 in possession. The key to the USA’s blistering start was their high press and the willingness of Luna and Tillman to make direct runs in behind Guatemala’s defensive line.
The first goal was the product of relentless pressure — Freeman’s cross, de la Torre’s shot, and Luna’s predatory positioning in the six-yard box. The second was a masterclass in wide play, with Berhalter and Agyemang combining to shift the ball wide before Tillman’s incisive square ball found Luna in space.
Tyler Adams and de la Torre operated as a double pivot in the first half, protecting the back four and limiting Guatemala to half-chances. However, once de la Torre picked up his yellow card at the 55th minute, the midfield became slightly more passive, allowing Guatemala’s substitutes to exploit space behind the pressing line.
Guatemala’s 4-3-3 and Second-Half Transformation
Tena’s Guatemala set up in a mid-block 4-3-3 in the first half, looking to frustrate the USA with compactness and hit on the counter. The plan failed catastrophically inside the opening 15 minutes as Luna exploited space between the lines twice.
However, Tena’s tactical acumen in making three substitutions at the 65th minute — injecting pace and creativity with Escobar, Ordóñez, and Castellanos — was masterful. Guatemala outshot the USA 20–12 overall and created several dangerous situations in the final 25 minutes. The late goal from Escobar was fully deserved and nearly set up an even more dramatic finish.
Key Tactical Battles
Luna vs. Guatemala’s defensive line: The 21-year-old was consistently positioned one step ahead of the defense, exploiting the gap between the center-backs and fullbacks.
Freese vs. Guatemala’s late pressure: The goalkeeper’s composure under relentless second-half bombardment — including his injury-time save on Morales — was arguably the defining factor of the result.
Read Also: USMNT vs Costa Rica National Football Team Lineups
Head-to-Head Record: USMNT vs Guatemala
| Metric | Record |
|---|---|
| All-time record (USA vs GUA) | 17W – 6D – 5L |
| Gold Cup record (USA vs GUA) | 4W – 1D – 0L |
| 2025 Gold Cup result | USA 2–1 Guatemala |
| Most recent prior meeting | — |
The USA has historically dominated this fixture. The USMNT entered the match having never lost to Guatemala in the Gold Cup, and the 2025 semifinal result extended that impressive unbeaten run. Despite Guatemala’s growing prowess under Tena — evidenced by their quarterfinal elimination of Canada — the USA’s quality proved decisive when it mattered most.
Recent Form
USMNT – 2025 Gold Cup Form
| Match | Result | Competition Stage |
|---|---|---|
| USA vs Opponent (Group Stage 1) | W | Group Stage |
| USA vs Opponent (Group Stage 2) | W | Group Stage |
| USA vs Opponent (Group Stage 3) | W | Group Stage |
| USA vs Costa Rica | W | Quarterfinal |
| USA vs Guatemala | W 2–1 | Semifinal |
Pochettino’s USMNT were unbeaten heading into the semifinal, with the same starting lineup deployed across four of the five Gold Cup games — a testament to the cohesion the manager had built.
Guatemala – 2025 Gold Cup Form
| Match | Result | Competition Stage |
|---|---|---|
| GUA vs Opponent (Group Stage 1) | Result | Group Stage |
| GUA vs Opponent (Group Stage 2) | Result | Group Stage |
| GUA vs Opponent (Group Stage 3) | Result | Group Stage |
| GUA vs Canada | W | Quarterfinal (Upset) |
| GUA vs USA | L 1–2 | Semifinal |
Guatemala’s tournament run was impressive. Their quarterfinal win over Canada — a team containing several MLS and European-based players — shocked the continent and gave confidence to a side that clearly improved under Tena.
Squad Depth Analysis
USMNT Squad Depth
The USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team match highlighted the impressive depth Pochettino has developed. The bench included established internationals like Matt Turner (backup GK), Miles Robinson (CB), Brian White (striker), and Paxten Aaronson — none of whom were needed, underscoring the strength of the starting group.
The return of Tyler Adams from an early-tournament injury added an important layer of experience to the midfield, and his performance against Guatemala showed he is building back toward his best. Brenden Aaronson, coming on at 58′, helped the USA manage the game despite Guatemala’s growing threat.
Walker Zimmerman’s introduction at 85′ was a tactical defensive reinforcement that helped the backline see out the final minutes.
Guatemala Squad Depth
Guatemala’s bench contributions were arguably the highlight of the match for Los Chapines. Olger Escobar, brought on in the triple substitution at 65′, was the difference-maker in the second half, scoring the goal that set up a dramatic finale. Arquímidez Ordóñez’s energy and directness also gave the USMNT’s defense real problems. Tena’s ability to change the game from the bench underlined the potential for Guatemalan football to be a genuine CONCACAF force in the coming years.
Read Also: Mexico National Football Team Vs Saudi Arabia National Football Team Lineups
Key Players Spotlight
Diego Luna — Man of the Match
The Sacramento Republic (on loan from Real Salt Lake) midfielder was simply electric. Playing in the Gold Cup Semifinal in front of a packed Energizer Park, Luna showcased every quality that has made him one of the USMNT’s most exciting young players. His first goal was clinical instinct — reading the keeper’s fumble and converting with his left foot from seven yards. His second was composed brilliance — driving at a defender, creating his own shooting lane, and curling the ball into the lower left corner. At just 21 years and 298 days old, he joined Pulisic, Dike, and Donovan as the only USMNT players aged 21 or under to score a brace in a Gold Cup match.
Heading into the semifinal, Luna led the entire USMNT with seven goal contributions in 2025 (3 goals, 4 assists). His performance against Guatemala added two more goals to that stunning tally.
Malik Tillman — The Architect
Bayern Munich-connected midfielder Tillman has been one of the tournament’s most creative players. His assist for Luna’s second goal — a perfectly weighted square pass that sliced the Guatemala defense apart — was his third career assist and moved him to six total goal contributions in 2025 (3 goals, 3 assists). His intelligent movement and technical quality between the lines were crucial to the USA’s attacking fluidity.
Matt Freese — The Backstop
The goalkeeper recorded a career-high four saves and made the decisive intervention deep in injury time, diving to deny José Morales and prevent what would have been a late equalizer. After an impressive three-save quarterfinal performance against Costa Rica, Freese cemented his position as the tournament’s standout goalkeeper for the USMNT.
Tim Ream — The Captain
Playing in his hometown of St. Louis, Ream led the USMNT with authority and composure, captaining the side for the 20th time — drawing level with Clint Dempsey for 11th on the all-time captains’ list. His leadership was vital as Guatemala grew into the match in the second half.
Read Also: Portugal National Football Team Vs Spain National Football Team Lineups
Tournament Implications: Road to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final
USA Advances to Record 13th Gold Cup Final
The 2–1 victory sent the United States to their record 13th Concacaf Gold Cup Final, scheduled for Sunday, July 6, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston at 7:00 PM ET (FOX, Univision, TUDN). The opponent would be the winner of Wednesday’s second semifinal between Mexico and Honduras.
For the USMNT, the 2025 Gold Cup has been about more than just lifting a trophy. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil rapidly approaching, Pochettino has used the tournament to build squad depth, develop tactical systems, and blood young talent like Luna alongside experienced heads like Ream and Adams. The USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team semifinal was further evidence that this group is growing in chemistry and confidence.
2026 FIFA World Cup Context
The 2025 Gold Cup is effectively the final major dress rehearsal before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico. Every match in this tournament has carried dual significance — both as a competitive mission to win the Gold Cup and as preparation for the biggest tournament in world football. Luna’s emergence as a brace-scoring, game-changing talent is exactly the kind of development story that bodes well for the World Cup.
Guatemala, despite their tournament exit, also showed they have the tools to be competitive in CONCACAF’s qualifying structure going forward.
How to Watch: USMNT vs Guatemala Highlights
The official USMNT vs Guatemala Highlights are available on the following platforms:
- FOX Sports – Full match replay and highlight packages
- Univision / TUDN – Spanish-language coverage and highlights
- U.S. Soccer YouTube Channel – Official short-form highlights
- U.S. Soccer App – Extended match hub content
USMNT vs Guatemala Tickets: Sold-Out Semifinal
All tickets for the USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team match at Energizer Park were sold out, with the sold-out crowd of 22,423 representing the full stadium capacity. For the Gold Cup Final, tickets were available via the official U.S. Soccer ticketing portal at ussoccer.com and through Ticketmaster. NRG Stadium in Houston, with a capacity exceeding 70,000, offered far more availability for the Final.
Read Also: Mexico National Football Team Vs Uruguay National Football Team Lineups
Conclusion
The USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team Concacaf Gold Cup Semifinal on July 2, 2025 was a night that will be remembered in American soccer history. Diego Luna’s stunning first-career brace inside 15 minutes delivered a performance worthy of the occasion, Malik Tillman continued his outstanding tournament form, and Matt Freese produced arguably his finest international display in goal. Guatemala showed tremendous character and quality, particularly after the halftime adjustments by Tena, but the USA’s clinical finishing and defensive resilience proved the difference.
With the USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team lineups confirming Pochettino’s trust in a settled, cohesive group, this match demonstrated the building blocks for something bigger — particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon. The USA’s record 13th Gold Cup Final appearance is a milestone, and with Luna, Tillman, and an increasingly experienced squad, there is genuine reason for optimism about what comes next.
? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the USMNT vs Guatemala score?
The final score was USA 2–1 Guatemala in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Semifinal played on July 2, 2025.
2. Who scored in the USMNT vs Guatemala match?
Diego Luna scored twice for the USA in the 4th and 15th minutes. Guatemala’s goal was scored by Olger Escobar in the 80th minute, assisted by Arquímidez Ordóñez.
3. What were the confirmed USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team lineups?
The USA started: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Arfsten; Adams, de la Torre; Berhalter, Tillman, Luna; Agyemang. Guatemala started: Navarro; Herrera, Pinto, Samayoa, Morales; Robles, Rosales, Muñoz; Altán, Rubín, Santis.
4. Where was the USMNT vs Guatemala match played?
The match was played at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri, before a sellout crowd of 22,423.
5. Who was the Man of the Match in USMNT vs Guatemala?
Diego Luna was named Man of the Match after scoring a first-career brace (4′ and 15′) and being the decisive figure throughout the first half.
6. What are the all-time USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team stats and head-to-head records?
The USA holds an all-time record of 17 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses against Guatemala across all competitions, and are unbeaten in Gold Cup matchups at 4W–1D–0L.
7. What was the significance of this USMNT vs Guatemala National Football Team result?
The victory sent the USA to their record 13th Concacaf Gold Cup Final and continued the momentum building toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the USA co-hosts.
8. How did Diego Luna perform historically in this match?
Luna became just the fourth USMNT player aged 21 or under to score a Gold Cup brace, joining Christian Pulisic (2019), Daryl Dike (2021), and Landon Donovan (2003).
