Quarterfinals stage of Concacaf Gold Cup set; USA face Canada Sunday

Concacaf Gold Cup represents the best soccer nations in North, Central, and Caribbean regions. The likely favorites have always been the United States of America and their rivals, Mexico. This tournament has had a different feel to the field. Invited teams like Qatar have flourished this year and can be credited to their international experience in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Each country that advanced to the quarterfinals has a chance to hoist the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup to bring prestige and will help their chances for international competition as we approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be hosted by North America (Canada, USA, and Mexico).

The Quarterfinals kick off on Saturday, July 8th when Panama faces off against Qatar. Panama has been a surprise winning group C in a pool that had highly talented Costa Rica. They will face a Qatar team that completely blanked Mexico in the second game of the group stage 1-0. If the Panamanians want to advance, they must expect a defensive game, and be able to take advantage of their scoring opportunities. Mexico will face Costa Rica on Saturday as well in what will be surely an exciting game hosting two teams that have recently qualified to the World Cup. Mexico has shown signs of vulnerability in the group stage, but Costa Rica needed a win on Tuesday night to even advance out of group C. Expect Mexico to play with urgency as they will not like to get in a game that requires a comeback.

Sunday afternoon draws an interesting game between Guatemala against Jamaica. The Reggae boys took care of business in group A, tying USA 1-1 and beating out Trinidad and Tobago and blanking St. Kitts & Nevis 5 to 0. Although Jamaica is sure to bring speed on the outside wing position, don’t be surprised if Guatemala advances to the next round. Guatemala beat out a group that had Canada, and Guadeloupe to be top of the group with 7 points. Guatemala can definitely be a surprise team should they take care of business on Sunday afternoon.

USA remains the favorite to win the Concacaf Gold Cup. Even though several stars from the USA national team are absent from this tournament, USA has found a great nucleus of young stars on the rise including 22-year-old Jesus Ferreira. His 6 goals this tournament lead all players, while the attack of Zendejas and youngster Cade Cowell off the bench might prove to be too much attack for any team. Canada will counter with a solid midfield in Jonathan Osorio, and Lucas Cavallini, but one thing is for certain, USA vs. Canada matchup is now considered a Concacaf explosive showdown as both teams are in line to make a consecutive World Cup in 2026.