As the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup kicks off, all eyes turn to Group C, where Jamaica and Guatemala are set to reignite their recent rivalry in a crucial opening match on Monday, June 16. The showdown between these two teams will take place at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, beginning at 10:00 PM ET and promises to be a thrilling contest for fans tuning in across the United States and around the world.
Jamaica enters the tournament with a strong pedigree, ranked 63rd in the FIFA standings and coached by Steve McClaren. Known as the Reggae Boyz, Jamaica has a rich Gold Cup history, having finished as runners-up twice in 2015 and 2017 and consistently reaching the semifinals in recent editions. Their squad boasts a significant English-based contingent, including standout goalkeeper Andre Blake of the Philadelphia Union, who has earned 82 international caps, and attacker Bobby De Cordova-Reid from Leicester City, who has made 37 appearances for Jamaica.
Guatemala, nicknamed Los Chapines and coached by Luis Fernando Tena, ranks 106th in FIFA and enters the tournament with determination to improve on past performances. Despite being hampered by federation suspensions and FIFA sanctions that relegated them to the C Flight of the Nations League, Guatemala has clawed their way back, finishing second behind Jamaica in their World Cup qualifying group. Their roster features a blend of domestic and international talent, including forward Arquimides Ordonez, who plies his trade at Zimbru Chisinau in Moldova, and defender Nicolas Samayoa, a key player on loan at Politehnica Iasi in Romania.
This match is especially significant given the recent history between the two sides. Just days prior, Jamaica secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Guatemala in the second round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, showcasing their dominance and form. However, the Gold Cup presents a fresh opportunity for Guatemala to regroup and challenge the Reggae Boyz on a new stage, aiming to upset the odds and advance further in the tournament.
Fans in the United States can catch the live action through multiple platforms. The match will be broadcast on FS1, UniMás, and TUDN, with streaming options available on FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, and ViX. For those seeking free access, the game will also be streamed live on YouTube, though geo-restrictions may apply. Viewers outside the permitted regions can utilize VPN services such as ExpressVPN to bypass these restrictions, connecting to servers in countries like Italy to enjoy the match without interruption. ExpressVPN stands out as a top choice for streaming, offering servers in 105 countries, fast connection speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Their current promotions include a two-year subscription with an extra four months free and a year of unlimited cloud backup, making it an attractive option for soccer fans worldwide.
Group C is a fascinating mix of teams, featuring not only Jamaica and Guatemala but also Panama and Guadeloupe. Panama, ranked 33rd by FIFA and coached by Thomas Christiansen, is another powerhouse in the group. They have a storied Gold Cup history with three runner-up finishes and boast a diverse roster with players from over 20 countries. Guadeloupe, although not a FIFA member and ranked outside the official standings, brings a spirited squad nicknamed Les Gwada Boys. Coached by Jocelyn Angloma, they have qualified by winning preliminary rounds and bring a mix of French domestic and European-based talent, including defender Jerome Roussillon and forward Matthias Phaeton.
The Gold Cup expansion from 12 to 16 teams and the integration of the Nations League have provided a broader stage for emerging teams like Guadeloupe and Guatemala to compete against established sides. This growth enriches the tournament, offering fans a chance to witness diverse playing styles and rising stars.
Jamaica is widely regarded as the favorite to top Group C, with Panama expected to follow closely. Guatemala and Guadeloupe face tougher challenges but have the potential to leverage their Nations League experience to break into the knockout stages. The schedule is packed, with Panama facing Guadeloupe at 7 p.m. ET on June 16, followed by Jamaica vs. Guatemala at 10 p.m. ET the same day. Subsequent matches include Jamaica vs. Guadeloupe on June 20, Guatemala vs. Panama later that evening, and the pivotal Panama vs. Jamaica clash on June 24.
Looking back at recent tournaments, both Jamaica and Panama have been consistent semifinalists. In 2023, Jamaica fell 3-0 to eventual champions Mexico, while Panama narrowly lost the final 1-0 after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the United States in the semifinals. Jamaica’s history is marked by strong Gold Cup runs, including finals appearances in 2015 and 2017 and semifinal finishes in 2019. Panama’s resilience is notable, with multiple semifinal and final appearances, including a memorable penalty shootout win against the USA in 2013’s third-place match.
For Jamaica, this year represents a pivotal moment. Despite some setbacks in 2024, including a sweep at Copa America and Nations League quarterfinal losses to the USA, the Reggae Boyz have shown promise by topping their Nations League A Flight group. Coach McClaren’s squad is poised to capitalize on this momentum, with Andre Blake expected to be a cornerstone of their campaign. The team’s blend of domestic and international experience offers a balanced approach as they seek to claim their first Gold Cup title.
Guatemala’s path is more challenging but equally compelling. Their recent climb back from federation suspension and sanctions has tested their resolve. With a roster featuring players gaining experience in North America and Europe, they aim to disrupt the established order and make a deep run. Their encounter with Jamaica in the Gold Cup follows their World Cup qualifying defeat, adding a layer of narrative tension to the match.
As the tournament unfolds, the Jamaica vs. Guatemala match will serve as an early barometer of Group C’s dynamics. Will Jamaica assert their dominance and continue their quest for Gold Cup glory, or will Guatemala seize the moment and deliver a surprise upset? The answer will begin to take shape under the lights in Carson, California, on June 16.
For fans eager to witness the drama, multiple viewing options ensure accessibility. From traditional broadcasts on FS1 to streaming services like FuboTV and Sling TV, and free streams on YouTube with VPN assistance, there’s no shortage of ways to engage with this exciting kickoff. The stakes are high, the teams are ready, and the stage is set for a memorable start to the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
