CONCACAF Gold Cup: Are the USA Still Favourites?

USA vs Trinidad and Tobago

The USA will kick off their 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign with a game against Trinidad and Tobago this Sunday evening at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California. This is Mauricio Pochettino’s first real competitive foray as the Yanks’ head coach, and all eyes are on him to see if he can help his team bring home the bacon.

The hosts are grouped alongside Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti in Group D, and every game counts because the Top 2 teams will advance to the knockout stage. The USA are poised to advance, but they cannot be complacent since their recent form leaves a lot to be desired, especially after losing back-to-back friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland.

​On the other hand, Trinidad and Tobago come into this tournament playing with house money. Dwight Yorke’s men are coming off a 2-1 loss against Costa Rica in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers.

 

Talking Points

USA still finding the right mix

The USA will not have their best squad in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, so they must tread carefully. Sergino Dest (knee), Zack Steffen (knee), and Patrick Schulte (oblique) are in the medical room. Christian Pulisic is taking time off after a long season, and Joshua Sargent did not get a call-up. Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, and Weston McKennie will play for their respective clubs in the Club World Cup.

The Yanks started brightly in their exhibition game against Turkey, as Jack McGlynn scored within the first minute of the game. However, they conceded two goals between the 24th and 27th minutes from Arda Guler and Kerem Akturkoglu. The Switzerland friendly was not any better, as the USA lost 4-0 following first-half goals from Dan Ndoye, Michel Aebischer, Breel Embolo, and Johan Manzambi.

To be fair to Pochettino, he fielded two different starting XIs in those friendlies. I suspect he’ll deploy a similar lineup in the Turkey friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.

Matt Freese will likely start between the sticks, with Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, Maximilian Arfsten, and Nathan Harriel forming a back four. Luca de la Torre and Tyler Adams will operate in the middle, and Paxten Aaronson, Quinn Sullivan, Haji Wright, and Patrick Agyemang lead up front.

 

Ins and outs for Trinidad and Tobago

Head coach Dwight Yorke will have to be creative with his lineup this Sunday to stand a chance against the Yanks. According to the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 news, Trinidad and Tobago will likely miss Josiah Trimmingham after he injured his knee against Costa Rica, and Justin Garcia should take his place. Levi Garcia will also sit this one out because he will tie the knot this weekend. The Spartak Moscow forward had been in great form, scoring two goals in his last two appearances.

Alvin Jones is eligible to play for the Soca Warriors despite being sent off against Costa Rica last Wednesday. Meanwhile, defender Joevin Jones hopes to make an appearance to surpass Carlos Edwards for fifth in all-time caps with the senior squad. 

 

History

Trinidad and Tobago won 2-1 against the USA in their previous meeting in the second leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals tie in November 2023. Reon Moore and Alvin Jones scored for the Soca Warriors, and Antonee Robinson scored for the 10-man Yanks. However, the USA still won the tie 4-2 on aggregate.

The USA are undefeated in their last 19 CONCACAF Gold Cup fixtures dating back to 2013. For a long time, they have dominated Trinidad and Tobago at home, winning their 15 previous matches against them by a whopping margin of 22-0.

The USA have the second-most CONCACAF Gold Cups with seven, last winning it in 2021. In contrast, Trinidad and Tobago’s best finish in the tournament was in the 2000 semifinals, where they lost to Canada by an odd goal.

 

Betting Tip

The CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 odds expect the Yanks to shake their doldrums and get their first win of the tournament this Sunday. The USA are 1.12 favorites to win, whereas Trinidad and Tobago are massive 10.50 underdogs, and a draw is at 6.40 in the 1X2 market.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side has been underwhelming, but history shows that the Yanks are typically at their best in this tournament. Besides our recommended bet, SBOTOP bettors can also go for alternatives like Over 3.25 at 1.85, Over 3.50 at 2.08, and even Total Goal 4-6 at 2.31. However, a Correct Score of 2-1 in favor of Trinidad and Tobago – the result of their most recent meeting – is a long shot at 55.00.

   

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