Quarterfinals Begin with Two Matches at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
The Gold Cup quarterfinals kick off on Saturday with two matches at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, which can accommodate 63,400 spectators. Without any Caribbean teams, a Central American contingent consisting of Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala will face the quarterfinals, where North powerhouses—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—are considered favorites.
Saturday’s Matches
- In the first match, Central America will lose a representative but secure a spot in the semifinals with Honduras facing Panama.
- In the second match, Mexico will defend its title against Arabia Saudita, the invited team of the tournament.
Sunday’s Matches
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the U.S. Bank Stadium, with a capacity of 66,200, will host the other two quarterfinal matches.
- In an uneven match, enthusiastic Guatemala will face a dominant Canada.
- In a clash of power versus power, Costa Rica will test its ambition against the United States, which carries the responsibility of every host.
Panama Brings Explosive Offense
On Saturday in Glendale, Panama will aim to unleash its offensive potential against Honduras.
Under the command of Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, Panama had a perfect group stage with nine points and the best offense, scoring ten goals, five of which were scored by Ismael Díaz, the top goal scorer.
“The level my players have shown so far is the minimum required for the next match,” Christiansen said, continuing to avoid labeling Panama as a title contender for the Gold Cup.
“Between qualifying for the World Cup or winning the Gold Cup, I’d choose qualifying; it’s the priority.” After suffering a 6-0 defeat in their opening match against Canada, Honduras picked themselves up and won their next two games, including a narrow victory over Curacao to advance to the quarterfinals.
“For us, facing a rival with the maturity that comes from a five-year process is going to be a great test,” said Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda about the match against Panama.
The Invited Team Causes Discomfort for Mexico
Later, Arabia Saudita will be Mexico’s next opponent in the quarterfinals. Mexico navigated the group stage with uncertainty, despite finishing as the leader.
“We’re growing, but not at the speed I’d like,” admitted Mexico coach Javier Aguirre. “We’re finding solutions to the problems our opponent presents.”
Out of the eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals, Arabia Saudita qualified with the fewest points (four) and only a couple of goals.
Saudi coach Hervé Renard believed that their round of 16 opponents demanded “physical football,” which isn’t their strong suit.
Regarding the match against Mexico, the French strategist is prepared to face the rival’s massive support.
Guatemala with Heart
On Sunday in Minneapolis at 3:00 PM local time, Canada, which faced few defensive challenges during the group stage, will showcase its potential against an animated Guatemala.
“Overall, I believe our team demonstrated awareness, experience, and discipline,” said U.S. coach Jesse Morton after Canada’s seven points secured the group’s top spot.
Guatemala, on the other hand, advanced with two narrow victories against Caribbean teams—Jamaica and Martinique—in the first round.
“Whether we play well or poorly, we’ll always leave everything on the field,” commented Mexico coach Luis Fernando Tena, praising the Guatemalan team for “always playing with their hearts on their sleeves.”
The Most Balanced Series
At 6:00 PM local time, the most balanced match will take place between the United States, led by Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, and Costa Rica, coached by Mexican Miguel Herrera.
The U.S. team had a flawless group stage with three wins and only one goal conceded.
Looking ahead to their quarterfinal match, Pochettino stated, “It’s a do-or-die final; our challenge is to keep competing well.”
Meanwhile, despite facing the home team, Herrera assured that Costa Rica is “calm” and will approach a more challenging match than the previous ones.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the teams participating in the Gold Cup quarterfinals? Central American teams (Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala) face North powerhouses (United States, Mexico, and Canada).
- What are the match details for Saturday’s games? Panama vs. Honduras and Mexico vs. Arabia Saudita at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
- What are the match details for Sunday’s games? Guatemala vs. Canada and United States vs. Costa Rica, with matches in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and another location, respectively.
- How have the teams performed in the group stage?
- Panama: Perfect group stage with nine points and the best offense, scoring ten goals.
- Honduras: Recovered from a 6-0 loss to Canada, winning their next two matches.
- Mexico: Finished as group leaders despite uncertainty and growing pains.
- Arabia Saudita: Qualified with the fewest points (four) and only a couple of goals.
- Guatemala: Advanced with narrow victories against Caribbean teams.
- United States: Had a flawless group stage with three wins and only one goal conceded.
- Costa Rica: Faced no significant defensive challenges in the group stage.
