USMNT vs Guatemala: Pochettino’s Men Eye Gold Cup Final

USMNT vs Guatemala Sets the Stage

USMNT vs Guatemala headlines Wednesday’s CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal in St. Louis, and the matchup feels like a welcome break for Mauricio Pochettino’s youthful squad. After months of turbulence, tactical tweaks, and headline-grabbing criticism, the Stars and Stripes suddenly stand one victory away from a return to the tournament’s biggest night.

Pochettino Finds His Groove

The Argentine coach has steadied the ship with a five-game unbeaten run, blending high pressing with midfield control. Weston McKennie’s engine, Gio Reyna’s creativity, and Ricardo Pepi’s revived finishing have produced 12 goals in that span. Crucially, defensive lapses that plagued spring friendlies have been patched by the Miles Robinson–Chris Richards partnership.

Guatemala’s Grit Can’t Be Ignored

Los Chapines arrive buzzing after a gritty quarterfinal upset of Canada. Luis Fernando Tena’s side defends in numbers, breaks quickly through Oscar Santis, and thrives on set pieces. Yet their direct style should suit the Americans, who own a significant athletic edge and deeper bench.

Key Battles

• Tyler Adams vs. Alejandro Galindo: win the midfield duels, own the tempo.
• Pepi vs. José Pinto: the U.S. striker must exploit pace mismatches.
• Set pieces: Guatemala depend on them; the U.S. must stay disciplined.

Path to Silverware

Win here, and Pochettino’s men face either Mexico or Jamaica in the final—an opportunity that felt distant during last winter’s mud-slinging media cycle. The coach who once looked lost has a chance to lift his first trophy on U.S. soil.

Opinion

Guatemala will scrap, but talent gaps matter in semifinals. If the Americans impose their press early, this should be comfortable. Anything less, though, and a plucky underdog could script another CONCACAF surprise.