Hoping to dethrone defending Gold Cup champions Mexico, hosts United States begin their knockout stage journey with a quarterfinal against Costa Rica from Minneapolis on Sunday.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side emphatically put pre-tournament struggles behind them by winning all three group games, scoring nine goals while conceding just one. They thrashed lowly Trinidad & Tobago 6-0 in the opener, navigated a nervy slugfest against Saudi Arabia with a 1-0 victory, and worked around an error against Haiti to win the finale 2-1.
That well-rounded resume indicates the USMNT are prepared for any game situation as they meet a foe who has proven a thorn in their side on occasion. Ranked 54th in the world by FIFA, Costa Rica has won five times across their past 12 meetings, including twice on U.S. soil.
Without many of his best players due to a litany of reasons, Pochettino has made the most of a piecemeal squad in the Gold Cup so far, but will be aware that the toughest tests are still to come.
MORE: Predicted lineups, team news, and latest injury updates ahead of USA vs. Costa Rica
USA vs. Costa Rica prediction, odds
The United States managed to deal with Saudi Arabia’s low block quite well, and while they won’t face the same kind of parked bus against Costa Rica, the Caribbean nation will certainly look to grind the game down.
One goal could be enough to win this match, two at most, and the USMNT are equipped to fire that total past a Costa Rica side that conceded three to Suriname and were tested well by both Mexico and the Dominican Republic, who combined for 28 shots worth 2.74 xG.
| DraftKings (USA) |
|
| USA win | -185 |
| Draw | +320 |
| Costa Rica win | +500 |
| Both teams to score |
Y: -110 N: -115 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals |
O: -125 U: -110 |
| USA to advance |
-380 |
| Costa Rica to advance |
+285 |
USA vs. Costa Rica match facts
- Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT
- Location: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN)
- Referee: Walter Lopez Castellanos (GUA)
- Last meeting: USA 3-0 Costa Rica (Jan. 22, 2025 | International Friendly)
MORE: A complete guide to betting on soccer in the United States
USA vs. Costa Rica best bet
- Pick: USA over 5.5 total corners
- Odds: -105 (DraftKings)
Regardless of whether the U.S. breaches Costa Rica’s low block early and often, or whether they are left to scrap for much of the game to find the net, they are likely to rack up a significant corner count.
Both Saudi Arabia and Haiti frustrated the USMNT by clogging the middle of the pitch and forcing the U.S. to push the ball out wide, where the Gold Cup hosts are then left to rely on a litany of crosses into the penalty area. Those can result in lots of corners conceded, where Costa Rica will be satisfied as they consider themselves strong at defending set pieces.
The U.S. combined for 16 total corners against their two CONCACAF group opponents, Haiti and Trinidad & Tobago, and even managed four against Saudi Arabia, who completely sold out defensively. They also got 12 corners against Costa Rica the last time they matched up in a competitive environment, so they should see more of the same here.
USA vs. Costa Rica prop bet
- Pick: Patrick Agyemang anytime goal scorer
- Odds: +150 (DraftKings)
Costa Rica are one of the most physical teams in the Gold Cup field, having picked up 10 yellow cards so far, most of any team at the competition through the group stage.
Physicality often demands a physical response, and Patrick Agyemang has proved a bully so far for opposing back lines. He can also play vertically when teammates pick out a through-ball, which is how the Dominican Republic scored their goal against Los Ticos, and he’s a menace on set pieces thanks to his height. He’s well-positioned in a matchup like this.
