USMNT’s Gold Cup group could wreck World Cup plans before they start | OneFootball

The United States Men's National Team already knows how steep the road in front of it looks in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. And no, it is no exaggeration to say that Group D, comprising Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and guest team Saudi Arabia, has more booby traps than most U.S. fans might expect. The competition, scheduled from June 14 to July 6, is more than the usual fight for the continental crown. For Mauricio Pochettino's side, the tournament also doubles as an early dress rehearsal before the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

Yes, the USMNT qualifies as a seeded team with a decent record against these opponents. That doesn't count for much in a condensed tournament, however. What does count for much at present is the form the team is showing in the here and now, and whether it can navigate a group that mixes old grievances, regional ill will, and wild cards. No room for going on autopilot.

Saudi Arabia appears for the first time as a dangerous wild card

Of the three opponents, Saudi Arabia is perhaps the most tricky. The Gulf nation is a debutant guest at the Gold Cup, but it's far from making up the numbers. The head-to-head record is relatively even, seven meetings in all, two of them competitive encounters: the Saudis winning 3-0 a long time ago in 1992, with the U.S. getting revenge 2-0 in 1999 through goals by Paul Bravo and Brian McBride.

What makes this Saudi team so unpredictable is context. They've been investing heavily in football and retooling tactically and technically. Concacaf pedigree they may lack, but they do have a style of play that doesn't fit the regional mold, so Pochettino's side will need to adjust quickly. A stumble here would be perilous.

Panama v United States | Ronald Cortes/GettyImages

Haiti, the familiar foe who never makes life easy

If there’s a team the USMNT knows well, it’s Haiti. The two sides have met 23 times, and the record is tighter than expected: eight U.S. wins, nine for Haiti, and six draws. Their last three Gold Cup meetings saw the U.S. win two by 1-0 and tie the other 2-2, back in 2009.

In short, Haiti's the kind of opponent that doesn't give you anything. They may not have star power, but they're physical and know how to grind out results. The U.S. will need to stay on their toes, dictate the pace, and seek out ways to break down an opponent that thrives on frustrating.

Recent reminders from Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, evokes memories that are bittersweet. The U.S. enjoys a overwhelming historical edge — 22 wins, four ties, and five losses in 31 matches — but the same dominance has been disrupted at important moments.

In the 2023 Concacaf Nations League, the U.S. prevailed 3-0 at home, only to fall 2-1 four days later in Port of Spain. A good reminder that hubris can come back to haunt. Trinidad is difficult to play, quick in transition, and on the right day, can outright rob anyone in the region of points.

Pochettino's not blind to that threat. In fact, he's already started to temper expectations from within. "This is an important opportunity for our team, not just to compete for the confederation title, but also to keep on learning about the group," said the coach.

USMNT Training | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/GettyImages

Last shot before the World Cup

This is the final official competition for USMNT before the World Cup on American soil. There are no qualifiers left, no other competitions of the same ilk. The Gold Cup is not a warm-up, it's a legitimate litmus test for the team.

Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino knows he must decide who's truly up to the big level. The tournament will hone lineups, experiment with positions, and give minutes to those who might thrive in 2026. But it's also a platform for mistakes, whatever mistakes are made will draw criticism in a hurry.

Other squads matter too

Even with all eyes on Group D, it’s hard to ignore what’s happening across the bracket. Mexico leads Group A, joined by Costa Rica, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic. Canada’s in Group B with Honduras, El Salvador, and Curaçao. Group C features Panama, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Guadeloupe.

There's a balance everywhere. The USMNT's group may look less ferocious on paper, but recent history has taught us that doesn't always equal free pass. With such a compact tournament, a single bad draw or a single off night can change everything.