2025 Gold Cup Quarterfinal Preview: Panama vs Honduras – A Central American Clash for History
📍 State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
⏰ Saturday, July 5 | 7:30 PM ET
📺 FS1, Univision, TUDN
The Stakes
For the first time in Gold Cup history, Central American rivals Panama and Honduras meet in the knockout stage. The winner advances to face either Mexico or Costa Rica in the semifinals, moving one step closer to lifting the trophy.
Tournament Form Guide
🇵🇦 Panama (Group C Winners | 3-0-0 | +7 GD)
- Most goals scored (10) this tournament
- Ismael Díaz leads Golden Boot race (5 goals)
- Perfect group stage for first time in Gold Cup history
🇭🇳 Honduras (Group B Runners-Up | 2-0-1 | +2 GD)
- First knockout appearance since 2021
- Four different goalscorers
- Seeking first final since 1991
Key Matchup: Firepower vs Defense
Panama’s Attack
🔥 Ismael Díaz (5 goals) needs 1 more to break Panama’s single-tournament record
🔥 7 different goalscorers already
🔥 Scored in 9 straight Gold Cup matches
Honduras’ Resilience
🛡️ Conceded just 2 goals in group stage
🛡️ Goalkeeper Luis López: 82% save percentage
🛡️ Veteran defender Maynor Figueroa’s 15th Gold Cup appearance
Historical Context
- 47 total meetings: Honduras leads 23-12 (12 draws)
- Gold Cup history: Honduras leads 3-1-1
- Last meeting: Nov 2022 WCQ (1-1 draw)
Notable Streaks
✔️ Panama unbeaten in last 4 competitive matches vs Honduras
✔️ Honduras hasn’t lost to Panama in Gold Cup since 2005
Quarterfinal Pedigree
Panama’s Last 5 QF Results
✅ 2023: 4-0 vs Qatar
❌ 2019: 0-1 vs Jamaica
✅ 2015: Pens vs T&T (after 1-1)
✅ 2013: 6-1 vs Cuba
❌ 2009: 1-2 vs USA
Honduras’ Last 5 QF Results
❌ 2021: 0-3 vs Mexico
✅ 2013: 1-0 vs Costa Rica
✅ 2011: Pens vs Costa Rica
✅ 2009: 1-0 vs Canada
❌ 2007: 1-2 vs Guadeloupe
Tactical Breakdown
Expected Lineups
*Panama (4-2-3-1)*:
Mosquera – Murillo, Cummings, Escobar, Davis – Godoy, Carrasquilla – Bárcenas, Rodríguez, Díaz – Fajardo
*Honduras (4-4-2)*:
López – Najar, Figueroa, Maldonado, Vega – Álvarez, Acosta, Flores, Palma – Quioto, Elis
What to Watch
🔹 Panama’s overlapping fullbacks vs Honduras’ compact shape
🔹 Set pieces: 40% of Honduras’ goals come from dead balls
🔹 Díaz vs Figueroa: Youth vs Experience
Player Spotlight
Ismael Díaz (PAN)
- Tied Gabriel Torres’ single-tournament scoring record (5)
- 3 goals from inside 6-yard box
- 87% pass accuracy in final third
Romell Quioto (HON)
- Scored in last Gold Cup meeting vs Panama
- 8 career Gold Cup goals
- Physical matchup vs Cummings
By The Numbers
5 – Consecutive Gold Cups Panama reached QFs
12 – Years since Honduras last semifinal
68% – Panama’s group stage shot accuracy (tournament high)
19 – Combined fouls per game (expect physical battle)
📊 Prediction: Panama 2-1 Honduras (Díaz to score again)
The winner will face Mexico/Costa Rica on Wednesday in Arlington. Who will take the next step toward Gold Cup glory?
