US faces Trinidad and Tobago in Gold Cup opener in June 2025

The upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup will feature the United States as they prepare to face Trinidad and Tobago in the tournament's opening match on June 15, 2025, at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Following this, the U.S. team is scheduled to play Saudi Arabia four days later, transitioning to their third group match against Haiti on June 22 in Arlington, Texas. This series of games will mark the last competitive fixtures for the U.S. before the World Cup opener, which is set for June 12, 2026. Historically, the U.S. has been successful in the Gold Cup, achieving a winning streak in 16 out of 17 tournaments, alongside achieving a second-place finish in 2011. Their group stage performance includes an impressive record of 40 wins, one loss, and five draws. This time, however, the U.S. is expected to field a second-string team, having faced setbacks in the previous Gold Cup, where they were eliminated in the semifinal stage by Panama on penalty kicks. The overall tournament will also see notable participation from defending champions Mexico, as well as Canada and Panama, each competing in their respective groups. Notable matches include Mexico's opener against the Dominican Republic on June 14 and Canada against Honduras on June 17. The tournament showcases a 14-stadium setup across 11 areas, managing to steer clear of the Eastern seaboard. The CONCACAF Gold Cup is integral to showcasing North and Central America's top football talent and will coincide with FIFA's Club World Cup, which may impact player availability. The Gold Cup not only serves as a competitive platform but also functions as a precursor for teams gearing up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.