U.S. and Costa Rica Clash in Gold Cup Quarterfinal Showdown
The United States and Costa Rica will renew their heated CONCACAF rivalry Sunday in a high-stakes 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinal at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The match marks the 44th meeting between the nations, with tournament history and regional bragging rights on the line.
Current Form
The hosts enter as Group D winners with a perfect 3-0-0 record:
- 5-0 vs Trinidad & Tobago
- 1-0 vs Saudi Arabia
- 2-1 vs Haiti
Bayern Munich’s Malik Tillman leads the American attack with three goals, while midfielders Diego Luna and Max Arfsten have each contributed two assists. The U.S. has outscored opponents 8-1 in the tournament.
Costa Rica finished second in Group A (2-1-0), showing resilience with comeback wins:
- 4-3 vs Suriname
- 2-1 vs Dominican Republic
- 0-0 draw with Mexico
Josimar Alcócer has been the clutch performer with consecutive game-winners, while Manfred Ugalde’s three goals lead the Ticos. Legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas remains vital with 11 group stage saves.
Historical Context
The U.S. holds a 20-17-6 all-time advantage, including:
- 5-1 record in last six meetings
- 7-0-1 Gold Cup advantage over Costa Rica
- Unbeaten in 12 straight quarterfinals (11-0-1) since 2000
Notable recent results:
- 2025 Friendly: USA 3-0 (White, Clark, Agyemang)
- 2022 WCQ: Costa Rica 2-0 (Vargas, Contreras)
- 2021 Friendly: USA 4-0 (Aaronson, Dike, Cannon, Reyna)
Knockout Stage History
United States:
- 11-0-1 in Gold Cup quarterfinals since 2002
- +29 goal differential (37-8) in QF matches
- Last elimination: 2000 vs Colombia (PKs)
Costa Rica:
- 4-2-7 in Gold Cup quarterfinals
- Seeking first semifinal since 2017
- Eliminated by Mexico in 3 of last 4 tournaments
Key Matchup Factors
- Experience vs Youth: Navas (37) faces a young U.S. attack averaging 23 years old
- Set Pieces: U.S. has scored 4 of 8 goals from dead-ball situations
- Late Game Heroics: Costa Rica has scored 4 of 6 goals after the 60th minute
- Home Advantage: Minnesota crowd expected to heavily favor the hosts
The winner advances to face Canada or Panama in Wednesday’s semifinal at AT&T Stadium. With both teams featuring in-form attackers and contrasting styles, this matchup promises to deliver the intensity that defines the CONCACAF rivalry.
