Arlington, TX – June 22, 2025 — The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup following a gritty 1–1 draw against Haiti at AT&T Stadium. While the result ensured the U.S. topped Group D, the match highlighted both the depth of the American squad and the resilience of a determined Haitian side fighting to extend their tournament hopes.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter, aiming to preserve key players ahead of the knockout phase, made six changes to the starting lineup that had previously secured wins over Trinidad & Tobago and Saudi Arabia. This decision to rotate the squad opened the door for a spirited Haitian performance. Despite the U.S. dominating possession and creating more chances, they were unable to fully assert control, allowing Haiti to remain competitive throughout the match.
The game began with the U.S. taking an early lead, signaling what many expected would be a routine victory. However, Haiti quickly responded with a determined counterattack that culminated in an equalizing goal, keeping the outcome in doubt until the final whistle. While Chris Richards had previously been the hero in the 1–0 win over Saudi Arabia, it was the Haitian side that seized the narrative in this final group-stage fixture.
Berhalter’s squad featured several younger or less experienced players, a strategy intended to test the depth of the team ahead of a demanding knockout schedule. While the rotated lineup showed flashes of creativity, cohesion lagged in key moments. The draw ultimately highlighted areas of improvement, especially in defensive coordination and finishing under pressure.
The match was broadcast across several major networks, including Fox, Univision, TUDN, Vix, and FuboTV, reflecting the broad interest in the Gold Cup’s group-stage finale. Pre-match analysis by betting and sports analysts, including Michael Leboff, anticipated a high-scoring affair, potentially with more than four goals. However, both teams played with measured caution, prioritizing defensive solidity over offensive risk.
For Haiti, the draw offered a sliver of hope. Their continuation in the tournament was contingent on the result of the group’s final match between Trinidad & Tobago and Saudi Arabia. A win or draw for Saudi Arabia would spell the end of Haiti’s Gold Cup campaign. Ultimately, Haiti’s fate was sealed as they failed to make the cut for the next round, despite their commendable effort against one of the region’s powerhouses.
The U.S., on the other hand, now looks ahead to the Round of 16, with their opponent to be determined based on the outcome of other group matches. With seven points from three matches, the USMNT finished atop Group D and will likely face a Group A runner-up—potentially Costa Rica or El Salvador—in their next match. The team enters the knockout phase with cautious optimism, buoyed by strong group-stage performances but aware of areas needing refinement.
From a broader perspective, this Gold Cup represents an important milestone for the USMNT as they continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which they will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico. With several younger players getting their first taste of major tournament action, the competition serves as both a proving ground and a strategic tune-up for the future.
The group-stage campaign revealed a mix of strength and vulnerability. The emergence of new contributors and the team’s ability to adapt under pressure are positive signs. However, moments of disorganization—particularly on set pieces and during defensive transitions—could pose risks against stronger opponents in the later rounds.
Coach Berhalter, reflecting on the match, emphasized the importance of squad rotation and the value of experience gained. “These are the games that test our character,” he said in a post-match interview. “We’re proud to finish on top, and now we turn our focus to the next challenge.”
The USMNT will return to the pitch later this week, where fans and analysts alike will be watching to see whether this promising squad can translate group-stage dominance into a deep tournament run. As the competition intensifies, the road to the Gold Cup title becomes increasingly treacherous—and the margin for error vanishes.