The stage is set for a 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal showdown between the USMNT and Guatemala on Wednesday. The American squad has navigated the tournament successfully despite the absence of several key stars. Their path to the semifinal included a hard-fought penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica in the quarterfinal round. Guatemala, on the other hand, has surprised many by reaching this stage as underdogs, most recently eliminating Canada in the quarterfinals following a 6-5 penalty shootout win.
Match Details & Odds
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET from Energizer Park in St. Louis.
According to the latest odds, the USMNT is favored at -375 (meaning a $375 wager wins $100). Guatemala comes in as significant underdogs at +950. A draw after 90 minutes is priced at +475. The over/under for total goals scored in the match is set at 2.5. The USMNT is also listed at +155 to win both halves.
Expert insights are available for this match. Martin Green, a professional sports writer and handicapper with experience in the sports betting industry, has a proven track record covering global soccer. Having analyzed the USMNT vs. Guatemala match from every angle, he has locked in his predictions and analysis, including potential plus-money payouts.
Why Guatemala Could Win
Despite being heavy underdogs, Guatemala has demonstrated their capability to secure wins against more fancied opponents. Their surprise victories against Jamaica and Guadeloupe in the group stage were crucial in propelling them forward. In the quarterfinals, they showed remarkable resilience, coming back from an early deficit against Canada to force a 1-1 draw and ultimately win on penalties. In that match, Guatemala even outperformed a favored Canadian side in statistics like possession, shots, shots on target, passes, and passing accuracy. A similar determined performance could make them a challenging opponent for the United States.
Why the USMNT Could Win
The American team, often referred to as the Stars and Stripes, has seen players like Malik Tillman, Maximilian Arfsten, and Diego Luna step up with crucial goals throughout the competition. Goalkeeper Matt Freese has also delivered important saves. While acknowledging that this USMNT roster is missing prominent names such as Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, experts believe they still possess enough quality to overcome Guatemala. The team has dominated possession in all their games so far in the tournament, and players like Tillman, Luna, and Patrick Agyemang are expected to be key figures in driving the team towards the final.
Expert Prediction Outlook
Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, an expert has developed specific picks for the USMNT vs. Guatemala match, noting potential value in certain wagers. The comprehensive analysis considers various factors to determine the most likely outcomes.