The Gold Cup gets underway as the United States men’s national team faces a new Jamaica roster. Despite the return of Gregg Berhalter as United States manager, BJ Callaghan will lead one more tournament after taking over as interim manager before Berhalter was rehired. Having already led the team to a Concacaf Nations League title, Callaghan will now lead a mostly domestic squad in Gold Cup fixtures.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
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How to watch and opportunities
- Date: Saturday 24 June | Time: 9:30 p.m
- Place: Soldier Field — Chicago, Illinois
- TV: FS1 | Live stream: fubo TV (Try for free)
- Chances: United States -135; Draw +250; Jamaica +370 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
United States: The team’s only injury concern will be Miles Robinson, who will make a decision on playing time, but in the young squad all eyes will be on Jordan Morris. Morris, one of the most experienced members of this team, will have the opportunity to lead the group, but he must also show that he can score goals consistently to keep up with the new frontline now that Folarin Balogun is in the USMNT configuration and attacking places will have a high price.
For other players in the squad, this is an important opportunity to shine. While the Gold Cup may have lost some of its luster, it is a crucial part of building a World Cup squad. US Soccer is working to ensure that as many players as possible are prepared for knockout rounds ahead of the Olympic Games and the Copa America. With no World Cup qualifiers before 2026, these tournaments will be the only time the team will feel competitive pressure together and therefore every tournament should be taken seriously.
Gaga Slonina, Jalen Neal, John Tolkin, Bryan Reynolds, Gianluca Busio, Aidan Morris and Cade Cowell are all eligible for the Olympics, while 12 players on the roster have six or fewer caps, so this will be quite a tournament to gain experience to do . However, the United States will have a tough enemy in their first game.
Jamaica: A talented team, the Reggae Boyz, have to put it all together as this is a must-win match to get out of Group A. These two teams met in the 2017 final where Morris propelled the United States to victory and will try to do it again. Jamaica has never won the Gold Cup, but this is arguably the most talented team they’ve put together.
With seven players coming from Premier League sides, Jamaica has taken advantage of dual national recruitment, but they have yet to show it on the pitch. Offense could throw the United States into trouble with Mikhail Antonio, Leon Bailey and Demarai Gray all needing to be watched, but defense is where the team falls apart. After Andre Blake and Ethan Pinnock, Jamaica’s defenders couldn’t show up when they needed to and they can’t afford to give space to the United States, even with the team’s lack of experience.
Prediction
Jordan Morris will keep his form in the Gold Cup as the United States pull off a victory against a Jamaica side that is getting better by the day. Choose: United States 2, Jamaica 1