The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals delivered contrasting outcomes for co-hosts USA and Canada. While the United States narrowly defeated Costa Rica in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the semifinals, Canada suffered a shock exit at the hands of underdogs Guatemala, falling short in another penalty decider.
USA Survives Costa Rica Scare to Book Semifinal Spot
The United States had to dig deep in a rollercoaster clash against Costa Rica. The Central American side struck first in the 12th minute when Vargas won a penalty, converted calmly by Calvo to give Costa Rica an early 1–0 lead.
The Americans responded with intensity. In the 37th minute, Malik Tillman earned a penalty but saw his attempt crash off the post. Redemption came seven minutes later when Diego Luna’s strike deflected off a Costa Rican defender and into the net, levelling the score at 1–1 before halftime.
The comeback continued shortly after the break. Tillman turned provider in the 47th minute, assisting Aronson, who fired home to make it 2–1 for the USA. However, Costa Rica refused to back down. In the 71st minute, Mora’s low cross found Martínez, who made no mistake to bring the game level again at 2–2.
With the deadlock unbroken in regular time, the match went to a penalty shootout. Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas made two impressive saves, but his teammates Vargas, Calvo, and Rojas all missed from the spot. The USA held their nerve, winning the shootout 4–3 and progressing with an overall score of 6–5.
Guatemala Pulls Off Massive Upset to Eliminate Canada
In one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, Canada, ranked 30th in the world, was eliminated by Guatemala, who are ranked 106th. Canada had won four of the previous five meetings between the two nations and was a heavy favourite heading into the match.
Jonathan David, the Lille striker, gave Canada the lead in the 30th minute from the penalty spot. But disaster struck in first-half stoppage time when Jacob Shaffelburg was shown a second yellow card, reducing Canada to 10 men.
Down a man, Canada struggled to contain Guatemala’s growing confidence. In the 69th minute, Rúben Morales equalised with a precise finish, setting up a tense finale. With the score tied 1–1 after 90 minutes, the game moved to penalties.
The shootout was neck and neck until Canada missed their sixth attempt, allowing Guatemala to seal a dramatic 6–5 penalty win and complete the 7–6 overall upset.
With the quarterfinals wrapped up, the final four teams in the 2025 Gold Cup are now confirmed:
- USA vs Guatemala
- Mexico vs Honduras
The USA will face a surprise package in Guatemala in what promises to be a tense semifinal, while Mexico takes on regional rivals Honduras in a high-stakes clash. The road to Gold Cup glory is heating up, and anything can happen from here.
