The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) secured their spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final with a 2-1 victory over Guatemala on Wednesday night in St. Louis. Diego Luna's brace in the first 15 minutes powered the USMNT to victory. Olger Escobar scored for Guatemala in the 80th minute, narrowing the deficit and adding late suspense to the match.
The USMNT got off to a dream start when Diego Luna found the back of the net within the first four minutes. Luca de la Torre's shot from the top of the box was saved by Kénderson Navarro, but the rebound fell to Luna, who calmly put it away. Luna then scored again in the 15th minute with a solo effort, controlling a long ball from Malik Tillman, dribbling past a defender, and firing a shot into the lower left corner.
Guatemala had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half and applied pressure, but the USMNT defense held strong to maintain a 2-0 lead. Patrick Agyemang had opportunities to extend the lead in the second half but couldn't convert. In the 80th minute, a miscommunication in the USMNT's backline allowed Olger Escobar to score for Guatemala. Escobar's goal came from a mistake by the United States in their own end, which Escobar capitalized on with a shot to the far post. Despite the late goal from Escobar, the USMNT held on to win 2-1.
The USMNT will now face either Mexico or Honduras in the final on Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston. This win marks a turnaround for the USMNT, who entered the Gold Cup after a four-game losing streak. A victory in the final would give the USMNT their eighth Gold Cup title.
The USMNT has advanced to the semifinals in 17 of 18 total Gold Cups and will have a chance to reach its 11th title match. The USA and Guatemala have met 27 times in history, with the USMNT holding a 16-5-6 winning record.
