The United States men’s national team and Mexico both face easier-than-expected opponents in the semifinals of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Guatemala and Honduras pulled off upsets over Canada and Panama, respectively, to earn berths in Wednesday’s semifinals.
The USMNT was one of three teams to win in penalties. Mauricio Pochettino’s men defeated Costa Rica on Sunday night.
Mexico was the only team to advance in regulation, with a two-goal win over Saudi Arabia.
All four of the semifinal participants will be fresh, though, since games tied after regulation go straight to penalty kicks at the Gold Cup. That rule is the same for the semifinal round.
United States vs. Guatemala (Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET)
Mexico vs. Honduras (Wednesday, 10 p.m. ET)
Available odds for both games can be found on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Everything aligned for the USMNT and Mexico to renew their rivalry in the July 6 final in Houston.
The Americans and El Tri received favorable semifinal draws thanks to the quarterfinal upsets sprung by Guatemala and Honduras.
Matt Freese made three saves in a six-round penalty shootout against Costa Rica to put the Americans into the final four.
Mexico used an Ernesto Vega goal and an own goal to get past Saudi Arabia in the only quarterfinal that didn’t go to penalties.
Both teams will be heavily favored on Wednesday, but they have to wary of the upset threat that both Guatemala and Honduras pose.
Guatemala pulled off a group-stage win over 2015 and 2017 Gold Cup finalist Jamaica and then it knocked off Canada in penalties in the quarters.
Canada was expected to meet the USMNT in the semifinals, but a red card and a loss in penalties doomed Jesse Marsch’s side from a deep tournament run.
Honduras eliminated 2023 Gold Cup runner-up Panama in the quarters. Los Catrachos rebounded from a 6-0 opening loss to Canada to win three straight games and reach the semifinal.
Honduras only allowed one goal in the last three games, but a whole different type of challenge comes in the form of the Mexico attack.
Not only are wins expected on Wednesday, but a pair of multi-goal victories should be the expectation given the gap in talent between the two North American powers and their opponents.
If everything goes to plan, the USMNT and Mexico will meet in the Gold Cup final for the third time in four events.
Gambling problem? Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visiting ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), visiting OPGR.org (OR), or calling/texting TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
Odds and lines subject to change. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.
