Gold Cup Reality Check: USA’s Strong Start Hints at Deeper Ambitions
For all the times people write off the Gold Cup, it’s far more grueling than it looks. The current tournament marks the 11th edition in the past 20 years, and this year’s US squad just became only the 10th team to go undefeated through the group stage — with Panama joining them as the 11th shortly after.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has plenty to be satisfied about. After a rocky series of pre-tournament friendlies, the team kicked off their Gold Cup campaign with a 5-0 demolition of Trinidad and Tobago, followed by a narrow 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia, and a gritty 2-1 victory against Haiti. These performances signal that the US is starting to build a winning habit — just like Pochettino demanded.
If the coach pulled lessons from those earlier struggles, he’s no doubt already planning how to translate the group stage momentum into knockout round success.
Four Key Takeaways from the USMNT’s Group Stage Performance:
1. There’s Life Beyond Christian Pulisic
Before the tournament began, much of the chatter centered around Christian Pulisic’s absence. He opted to sit this one out for a well-earned summer rest, skipping the opportunity to pursue his first-ever Gold Cup title — a decision that certainly stirred up controversy.
Of course, the team is better with Pulisic in it, and he’ll almost certainly walk back into the starting XI once available. But for now, the US has proven that there are others ready to step up.
Malik Tillman has been the breakout star, netting three goals in the group stage — including a brace against Trinidad and the opener versus Haiti. Not only is he dynamic and dangerous, but he’s also a hard worker, showing off the same form that’s turned heads at PSV.
“What a player, no? What a player showing his talent and ability in this camp,” Pochettino said.
And Tillman isn’t alone. Diego Luna has been a spark off the bench, consistently injecting energy and creativity. Meanwhile, Quinn Sullivan has proven unafraid to try bold things — even attempting a rabona against Haiti — and is building strong chemistry with Tillman and the rest of the front line.
2. Goalkeeper Showdown: Competition Is Heating Up
Despite losing Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte to injuries, the goalkeeper battle remains fierce. Matt Freese, the rising star from NYCFC, might just have an edge for now.
Freese got the nod in the first summer friendly against Turkey, while veteran Matt Turner took the field against Switzerland, where the US conceded four goals in the first half.
Though Freese made a costly mistake against Haiti, Pochettino didn’t seem worried:
“The most important action is the next one. If you dwell on the last, you're done,” the coach said. “Mistakes happen, and they’ll happen again. But we’re happy with him and with the support system among our keepers.”
Freese echoed that mindset, saying he moved on from the error immediately and focused on not letting it affect the rest of the match. Now, all eyes are on who gets the start against Costa Rica — a team with no such dilemma thanks to the rock-solid Keylor Navas.
3. Injuries Still Haunt the Squad
The US came into the tournament hoping for returns from key players like Sergiño Dest, Antonee Robinson, and Folarin Balogun. Instead, all three were ruled out due to injury.
Although Patrick Agyemang has chipped in with two goals, his overall play hasn’t quite proven he’s ready to lead the line against tougher opposition. The US desperately needs both Balogun and Ricardo Pepi healthy and sharp for the 2026 World Cup — otherwise, we could see a repeat of 2022’s scoring woes in crucial moments.
On the defensive flanks, things aren’t much better. Alex Freeman has been a decent option at right back, but Robinson’s absence on the left is glaring. Max Arften and John Tolkin have tried to fill in, but their performances have been uneven at best. It’s clear: Robinson is the undisputed best left back in the US pool.
4. This Team Can Win It All — But It Won’t Be Easy
The USMNT has impressed so far — but now the real test begins. The margin for error is razor-thin, and even though the usual powerhouses like Mexico and Canada have looked shaky, it’s still anybody’s tournament.
Mexico drew with Costa Rica, struggled to score from open play, and even labored against Dominican Republic. They’ve leaned heavily on set pieces and a strong defense marshaled by Johan Vázquez and César Montes, with Edson Álvarez holding the midfield line.
Canada wasn’t much better, barely managing a draw against Curaçao.
For the United States, there’s no coasting allowed. Costa Rica, with its experience and quality, would love nothing more than to play spoiler — especially after the US’s embarrassing Nations League Final Four performance and uninspiring friendlies. A stellar showing from Navas or a moment of brilliance from Alonso Martínez could change everything.
The group stage was promising, but now comes the true proving ground. Not just for the Gold Cup trophy, but to build real momentum heading into 2026.
Discription:
"The US Men's National Team is defying expectations at the Gold Cup 2025, cruising through the group stage without star Christian Pulisic. Discover how Malik Tillman, Matt Freese, and a hungry US squad are chasing redemption and a title in thrilling style."