The USMNT had a lot to worry about before the start of the Gold Cup due to negative results in friendlies and a certain humiliation they suffered due to a lack of performance against higher-level opponents. However, Mauricio Pochettino managed to turn this initially difficult situation around and made it through the group stage in spectacular fashion.
With Patrick Agyemang's second-half goal against Haiti on Friday night, the USMNT secured top spot in Group D of the Concacaf Gold Cup with a 100% record, quite an achievement for a team that had been struggling considerably. The USA (3-0-0) went into the match already assured of a place in the quarter-finals, while Haiti (0-2-1) needed a win to stay alive, which they did not.
Agyemang's decisive goal came in the 75th minute, when he received a pass from John Tolkin and used a precise touch to dribble past goalkeeper Johny Placide. Team USA will now face the second-placed team in Group A on June 19, waiting to find out whether their opponents will be Mexico or Costa Rica.
USMNT working towards 2026 World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino explained from the first game that he was betting on a USMNT with the best players who were playing at the moment, seeking to prioritize those who had secured a place in the squad on their merits. And it showed in the style of play, with the team progressing through the group stage of the Gold Cup with ease.
It's important to note that beating Trinidad, Saudi Arabia and Haiti could be seen as a must for the US team, but the work for the 2026 World Cup is underway with the presence of Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman, players who are beginning to show that they won't be leaving the USMNT any time soon.
Despite this, the consolidation of a good Gold Cup campaign will only be defined once the USMNT have at least made it through the quarter-finals, especially given that Manfred Ugalde will be suspended for card accumulation.