The Guatemala national team is one step away from reaching its first Gold Cup final and will face the United States on Wednesday at Energizer Stadium in St. Louis.
The match will define the second finalist of the tournament, hours after the duel between Mexico and Honduras in Santa Clara, California.
Guatemala surprises and dreams big
Under the direction of Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena, the Chapín team has surpassed all expectations.
They qualified as group runners-up and eliminated Canada on penalties (5-6) after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, showing mental strength and tactical order.
The last time Guatemala reached a Gold Cup semifinal was in 1996, but this time the goal is clear: to reach its first final.
The team will be without starting goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, who was injured during the group stage.
His replacement, Kenderson Navarro of Municipal, starred against Canada after saving a key penalty kick in the shootout.
The United States, between doubts and pressure
Mauricio Pochettino’s team reached this stage after beating Costa Rica on penalties (4-3), after a 2-2 draw in an intense quarter-final.
Although they have kept a low profile, the Stars and Stripes cannot hide their role as favorites.
El encuentro definirá al segundo finalista del torneo
The last time the United States lifted the Gold Cup was in 2021.
In this edition, it seeks revenge after Mexico won the title in 2023.
Unlike his rival, Pochettino will have a full squad, including the likes of Tyler Adams and Diego Luna.
Probable lineups
United States: Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Maximilian Arfsten; Luca de la Torre, Sebastian Berhalter, Tyler Adams, Diego Luna; Mark Tillman, Patrick Agyemang.
DT: Mauricio Pochettino
Guatemala: Kenderson Navarro; Aaron Herrera, José Carlos Pinto, Nicolás Samayoa, José Morales; Stheven Robles, José Rosales, Rudy Muñoz, Ólger Escobar; Óscar Santis, Rubio Rubín.
DT: Luis Fernando Tena
Match details
Stadium: Energizer Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
Time: 18:00 local time (23:00 GMT)
Referee: Oshane Anthony Nation (Jamaica)
The winner will face the winner of the Mexico vs. Honduras match in the final on July 6 in Houston.
For Guatemala, it is an opportunity to write a golden page in its soccer history, and for the United States, a chance to reaffirm its regional dominance.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
