The USMNT and Costa Rica meet in the Gold Cup quarterfinals on June 29, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. This article breaks down the confirmed starting XI, head-to-head history, and what to watch.

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Match Date: June 29, 2025 ·
Competition: 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Quarterfinal ·
USMNT World Ranking: 13 (FIFA) ·
Costa Rica World Ranking: 52 (FIFA) ·
All-Time Head-to-Head Record: USA leads 17 wins, 16 draws, 21 losses

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • USMNT starting XI: Matthew Freese, Max Arfsten, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Luca de la Torre, Tyler Adams, Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, Sebastian Berhalter, Patrick Agyemang (ESPN match center)
  • Costa Rica starting XI: Keylor Navas, Francisco Calvo, Alexis Gamboa, Juan Pablo Vargas, Joseph Mora, Manfred Ugalde, Alonso Martínez, etc. (U.S. Soccer match hub)
  • Match date: June 29, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis (MLSsoccer)
2What’s unclear
  • Last-minute injury substitutions for either team
  • Exact formation if not officially confirmed
  • Weather conditions at kickoff
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Winner advances to the Gold Cup semifinals (MLSsoccer)

The match details, coaching matchup, and broadcast information are outlined below.

Label Value
Match Date June 29, 2025
Competition Concacaf Gold Cup Quarterfinal
Venue U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
USMNT Coach Gregg Berhalter
Costa Rica Coach Gustavo Alfaro
Broadcast Fox Sports, Univision, TUDN

What are the confirmed USMNT starting lineups vs Costa Rica for today?

Confirmed XI from official US Soccer

The U.S. Soccer match hub (the national governing body) listed the USMNT starting XI as: Matthew Freese (GK), Max Arfsten (LB), Tim Ream (CB), Chris Richards (CB), Alex Freeman (RB), Luca de la Torre (CM), Tyler Adams (CM), Diego Luna (CAM), Malik Tillman (RW), Sebastian Berhalter (LW), and Patrick Agyemang (ST). The same lineup was confirmed by ESPN’s match center (sports broadcaster).

Costa Rica’s starting eleven today

Costa Rica’s lineup, as listed by ESPN and U.S. Soccer, featured Keylor Navas in goal, a back four of Francisco Calvo, Alexis Gamboa, Juan Pablo Vargas, and Joseph Mora, with midfielders including Manfred Ugalde and Alonso Martínez up front.

The matchup

The USMNT’s attacking trio of Luna, Tillman, and Agyemang faces a Costa Rican defense built around veteran Navas and a physical center-back corps. The contrast in formation depth could decide the quarterfinal.

The implication: the USMNT’s starting XI blends experience with youth, while Costa Rica leans on a veteran core.

A position-by-position look at the two starting XIs reveals contrasting tactical approaches.

Position USMNT (4-3-3) Costa Rica (5-4-1)
Goalkeeper Matthew Freese Keylor Navas
Left Back Max Arfsten Joseph Mora
Center Back Tim Ream, Chris Richards Francisco Calvo, Alexis Gamboa, Juan Pablo Vargas
Right Back Alex Freeman Christopher Mora
Midfield Luca de la Torre, Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter Midfield four (names pending)
Forward Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, Patrick Agyemang Manfred Ugalde, Alonso Martínez

What is the predicted USMNT lineup for the 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinal?

Predicted formation and key players

The actual lineup confirms the 4-3-3 formation. Tyler Adams, making his return to the starting XI, anchors the midfield, while Diego Luna and Malik Tillman provide width and creativity. The U.S. Soccer preview noted that four players from the 2022 roster – Adams, de la Torre, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman – are on the 2025 Gold Cup squad (U.S. Soccer).

How the USMNT might set up against Costa Rica

Against Costa Rica’s expected 5-4-1, the USMNT’s fullbacks Freeman and Arfsten will push high to overload the flanks. The central midfield of Adams and de la Torre is tasked with breaking lines and supplying the front three.

Why this matters

The USMNT’s 4-3-3 puts pressure on Costa Rica’s back five, but the lack of a traditional target man may force crosses into a crowded box.

The pattern: the USMNT’s 4-3-3 formation is designed to exploit Costa Rica’s defensive setup.

What is the head-to-head record between the USA and Costa Rica?

All-time match results

According to ESPN’s historical data, the USA and Costa Rica have met 54 times, with the USMNT winning 17, Costa Rica winning 21, and 16 draws. The MLSsoccer (Major League Soccer’s official news site) reported that the most recent Gold Cup knockout meeting was a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw, with the U.S. advancing 4-3 on penalties.

Recent meetings form guide

The last five matches show a competitive rivalry: the USMNT won 3-0 in a friendly on January 22, 2025 (U.S. Soccer preview), and the June 29, 2025 quarterfinal ended 2-2 before the U.S. won on penalties (ESPN).

Timeline

Date Event
January 22, 2025 USMNT 3-0 Costa Rica (friendly)
June 29, 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinal: USMNT 2-2 Costa Rica (4-3 pens)
2024-2025 Both teams’ recent form leading into the match

The takeaway: The USMNT advanced to the semifinals, but the penalty shootout exposed vulnerabilities in set-piece defending and finishing.

Confirmed facts

  • USMNT starting XI from official U.S. Soccer match hub
  • Costa Rica starting XI from ESPN and U.S. Soccer
  • Match date, venue, and competition
  • Head-to-head record (17-21-16)

What’s unclear

  • Last-minute substitution changes
  • Exact formation if not officially confirmed
  • Weather conditions at kickoff

What this means: the historical record is tight, but the USMNT holds the edge in recent knockout matches.

The quarterfinal result means the USMNT advances to the semifinals, but the margin was razor-thin. For a team aiming to lift the Gold Cup on home soil, the penalty shootout exposed vulnerabilities in set-piece defending and finishing. The implication: the USMNT’s lineup depth will be tested by sharper opponents later in the tournament.

Additional sources

si.com, reddit.com, en.wikipedia.org, ussoccer.com, youtube.com, bolavip.com, hudsonriverblue.com, youtube.com, youtube.com

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Frequently asked questions

What formation will the USMNT use against Costa Rica today?

The confirmed lineup shows a 4-3-3 shape, with Adams and de la Torre in central midfield and a front three of Luna, Tillman, and Agyemang.

Who is the USMNT captain for this match?

Tyler Adams wore the captain’s armband in the 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinal, as per the lineup.

What is the latest injury news for the USMNT?

No last-minute injuries were reported for the starting XI. All selected players were fit to start.

Has Costa Rica ever beaten the US in the Gold Cup knockout stages?

Yes, Costa Rica has eliminated the USMNT from the Gold Cup in past knockout rounds, though the most recent meeting (2025 quarterfinal) ended in a USMNT penalty shootout win.

How many goals has Christian Pulisic scored against Costa Rica?

Pulisic was not in the starting lineup for this match; his career record against Costa Rica includes multiple goals in previous meetings, but this article focuses on the confirmed quarterfinal lineup.

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