CONCACAF Gold Cup: USA vs Costa Rica - Betting Tips, Odds & Prediction

Team USA face one of their title rivals, Costa Rica, in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals at US Bank Stadium on Monday. 

Led by veteran Mexican coach Miguel Herrera, Costa Rica fell just short of topping Group A. Los Ticos drew with Mexico in their final match and lost out on first place by a single goal in goal difference.

USA have been flawless across the tournament so far, having won all three of their group matches. But now, they face their toughest test of the competition so far. Betting sites in NZ are considering them favourites, but can Mauricio Pochettino’s men reflect that on the pitch? Read on for our expert football tips and analysis on this knockout clash.

USA

Group D didn’t come easy, but the USMNT got the job done. A 5-0 demolition of Trinidad & Tobago set the tone, before Pochettino’s men held on for narrow wins over Saudi Arabia and Haiti to secure the top spot.

Patrick Agyemang has found the net twice, including the match-winner against Haiti. The Charlotte FC forward is the team’s second-leading scorer behind Malik Tillman, who has three. Both of these players are heavily favoured across football betting sites to score on Monday.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese has allowed only one goal so far, while Alex Freeman has featured in every starting lineup. In the midfield, Diego Luna and Sebastian Berhalter have both stood out with strong performances.

Team News: Pochettino should have a fully fit squad to choose from. 

Predicted Lineup: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Tolkin; Adams, De La Torre; Sullivan, Tillman, Aaronson; Agyemang.

Costa Rica

In a dramatic opening match, Miguel Herrera’s side edged Suriname 4-3, thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from Manfred Ugalde.

Costa Rica then also edged the Dominican Republic 2-1, with Ugalde scoring his third penalty of the tournament and Josimar Alcocer sealing the win five minutes from time.

In the final match of the group, Costa Rica came up against Mexico. They frustrated El Tri with an impeccable defensive display. Keylor Navas proved once again that he is still a world class goalkeeper and he will be instrumental for Costa Rica’s success in the knockout stages.

Team News: Costa Rica also enter this game with a clean bill of health and no suspension concerns. 

Predicted Lineup: Navas; Mitchell, Vargas, Calvo; Mora, Aguilera, Galo, Alcocer, Mora; Martinez, Ugalde.

• Costa Rica have not won against the US on American soil since 2017.
• The USA are on a six-game winning streak against Costa Rica.
• Costa Rica have not lost a competitive game since June, 2024.
• Both teams have scored in only one of USA’s last four games.

The Yanks could be in for a real test here, with Costa Rica posing their toughest challenge since their friendly losses to Turkey and Switzerland pre-tournament. Keylor Navas stood tall in a goalless draw with Mexico, but the Ticos' defence isn’t what it used to be.

Ugalde has been a bright spot for Costa Rica, but no playmaker has been more effective in the Gold Cup than the USA’s No.17 Malik Tillman. Herrera’s experience could play a role, but Pochettino looks increasingly in control of both his squad and the moment.

A premature exit for the US is only on the cards if they fall back into bad habits. They’ve shown signs of overconfidence before, but the loss to Switzerland appears to have reset their mentality. Given their midfield quality and relative defensive strength, a place in the semis should be within reach.

USA 2-1 Costa Rica @ $8.00

Costa Rica take on another CONCACAF giant after their goalless battle against Mexico. It must have been a draining performance, however, and we expect the hosts to take advantage. As things stand, backing a 2-1 win for the US on Bet365 is the most sensible bet.