USMNT Faces Trinidad, Haiti, Saudi Arabia in Gold Cup Group D

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) begins its 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign facing Trinidad and Tobago amid considerable challenges, including a four-game losing streak and the absence of key players like Christian Pulisic, who chose to rest during the tournament. Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the squad is youthful and largely composed of MLS-based players, with many making their Gold Cup debuts, reflecting a focus on building experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, for which the US is already qualified as host. Injuries to important players such as Tyler Adams and goalkeepers Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte add to the team’s difficulties, while Trinidad and Tobago will be missing Josiah Trimmingham due to injury. Historically, the USMNT has always advanced past the Gold Cup group stage since 1991 and holds a favorable recent record against Trinidad and Tobago, including a 6-0 win in the 2023 Gold Cup group stage, though the teams split a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal in late 2023. Despite the USMNT’s rocky start and roster issues, expectations remain high for a victory in this opening match to begin building momentum towards next summer’s World Cup.