On July 2, 2025, the United States men's national soccer team secured their spot in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guatemala at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri. The US team, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, showcased a powerful start led by Diego Luna, whose early double strike set the tone for the match and ultimately propelled the Americans to their first Gold Cup final since 2021.
Luna, the Real Salt Lake midfielder wearing the number 10 jersey, wasted no time making an impact. At just four minutes into the game, he capitalized on a rebound inside the penalty area following a shot from Luca de la Torre that was parried by Guatemala’s goalkeeper Kendersson Navarro. Luna’s left-footed finish sailed over Navarro’s outstretched hand, giving the US an early 1-0 lead.
Just eleven minutes later, Luna struck again with a magnificent individual effort. Receiving a precise pass from Malik Tillman, he dribbled past defender José Carlos Pinto before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot from the edge of the box that found the back of the net. This goal marked Luna’s third in two Gold Cup matches, firmly establishing him as the standout player of the tournament so far.
Guatemala, under the guidance of Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena, showed resilience despite the early setback. The team, ranked 106th in the FIFA standings and yet to reach a Gold Cup final in their history, responded with intensity. Between the 3rd and 13th minutes, they pressed hard, attempting to create scoring opportunities, though their efforts were thwarted by the US defense and goalkeeper Matt Freese, who made several crucial saves including a foot stop against former US forward Rubio Rubin in the 34th minute.
Rubin, who switched allegiance from the United States to Guatemala in 2022 after seven appearances for the US between 2014 and 2018, nearly altered the scoreboard at the 29th minute. He scored what appeared to be a goal, but it was disallowed due to an offside call, much to the frustration of the Guatemalan side. Alongside Rubin, defender Aaron Herrera, another former US international who made his debut for Guatemala in 2023, contributed to the spirited effort.
Despite Guatemala's dominance in the final 30 minutes of the first half — outshooting the US 13-1 on goal attempts — the Americans maintained their composure. Freese, the New York City FC goalkeeper, was instrumental in preserving the lead, showcasing nerves of steel with key saves that denied Guatemala’s best chances.
The second half saw Guatemala continue to push forward in search of an equalizer. However, the first 15 minutes after the break were marked by a lack of clear-cut opportunities for the visitors, while the US came close to extending their lead on a header that Navarro skillfully deflected. Both coaches responded with substitutions to inject fresh legs and tactical adjustments: Pochettino brought on Brenden Aaronson for Luca de la Torre, while Tena made changes aimed at revitalizing his squad’s attacking threat.
From the 57th to the 77th minute, the US controlled the tempo of the game, displaying confident possession and limiting Guatemala’s attacking options. This period of dominance, however, was abruptly challenged when Olger Escobar, an 18-year-old Guatemalan born in Lynn, Massachusetts, found the net in the 80th minute. Escobar’s goal, his second of the tournament, came after he cut inside and fired a precise shot between Freese and the far post, injecting hope and belief into the Guatemalan ranks.
The closing minutes were a tense affair as Guatemala mounted relentless pressure, forcing the US to retreat and defend their slender lead. Despite their spirited efforts and a flurry of attacks, the clock ran out before the visitors could find the equalizer. The referee blew the final whistle at 90+4 minutes, confirming the United States’ 2-1 victory and their advancement to the Gold Cup final.
This upcoming final on July 6 in Houston will see the United States face off against defending champions Mexico, a team with a storied Gold Cup history boasting nine titles compared to the US’s seven. The rivalry between these two North American powerhouses is intense, with the US having lost all five of their previous final meetings against Mexico. The stakes are high, as this match will also be the last official competitive game for the US before their much-anticipated World Cup debut in June 2026.
The journey to the final has been marked by significant storylines, including the US’s elimination of Costa Rica, coached by former Mexican manager Miguel Herrera, and the presence of former US internationals now playing for Guatemala, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Guatemala’s impressive evolution under Luis Fernando Tena has been a highlight of the tournament, demonstrating their growing competitiveness on the CONCACAF stage despite falling short in this semifinal.
Diego Luna’s performance, characterized by his clinical finishing and ability to rise to the occasion, has been pivotal. His brace not only secured the win but also underscored his emergence as a key figure for the USMNT. Meanwhile, Matt Freese’s composure and crucial saves under pressure were equally vital in maintaining the lead against a determined Guatemalan side.
As the United States prepares to face Mexico, the stage is set for a thrilling Gold Cup final that promises to deliver high drama and intense competition. For Guatemala, despite the heartbreak of falling just short, their spirited display and progress under Tena signal a bright future ahead in regional soccer.
