The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage continues this week with a pivotal clash between the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and Saudi Arabia. Set to take place on Thursday at 9:15 p.m. ET, this match will be broadcast on FS1 and UniMas, with both teams looking to build momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
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USA Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Head coach Gregg Berhalter appears ready to field a dynamic, youth-driven starting XI, blending creativity and pressing energy through the midfield and front line.
Projected USA XI:
GK: Patrick Freese
CBs: Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie
FBs: Kevin Freeman (RB), John Tolkin (LB)
CDMs: Johnny Cardoso, Sebastian Lletget
AMs: Malik Tillman, Diego Luna, Brenden Aaronson
ST: Haji Wright
This lineup offers fluid attacking movement with the technical ability of Luna and Tillman, while Aaronson provides work rate and transitions. The midfield double pivot of Cardoso and Lletget should offer balance and ball recovery behind them.
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Saudi Arabia Projected Lineup (4-3-3)
(Based on recent match performance, including player ratings from image data)
GK: Nawaf Alaqidi (8.0 – standout performer)
DEF:
• LB: Saud Abdulhamid (7.9)
• CB: Abdulelah Al Amri (8.0)
• CB: Yasser Al-Shahrani or Hassan Kadesh (Kadesh subbed off early, 6.4)
• RB: Ali Al-Boushail (7.5)
MID:
• DM: Ali Al-Hassan (7.2)
• CM: Musab Al-Johani (6.7)
• CM: Ayman Al-Ghamdi (6.3, replaced at half) or a substitute with more defensive presence
ATT:
• LW: Abdulrahman Al-Hammami (6.1, subbed off early)
• RW: Al-Sahafi (6.6)
• ST: Saleh Al-Shehri (7.2, scored last match)
Saudi Arabia’s strength lies in their backline and goalkeeper, but questions remain in midfield stability and forward consistency. Al-Shehri remains the key threat up front.
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Match Info
• Match: United States vs. Saudi Arabia
• Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
• Kickoff: 9:15 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1, UniMas
• Streaming: Fox Sports App, TUDN, ViX, FuboTV
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Key Matchup to Watch
• Aaronson vs. Al Amri: The U.S. winger will need to find ways around Saudi Arabia’s physical and tactically sound center-back.
• Midfield Battle: Can Cardoso and Lletget control the tempo, or will Al-Hassan disrupt play and lead Saudi counters?
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Prediction
Both teams bring contrasting styles: the U.S. emphasizes pace and pressing, while Saudi Arabia leans on shape, discipline, and breakout moments. Expect a tight contest early, but the USA’s attacking trio could tilt the match late.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Saudi Arabia
Stay tuned for more Gold Cup coverage and live updates as these two contenders battle for a spot in the knockout stage.
