The 2023 Gold Cup begins with an entertaining clash between USA and Jamaica on June 24th at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
The USMNT are coming into the tournament as reigning champions, after defeating Mexico 1-0 in the 2021 final to lift the trophy. Now, interim manager B.J. Callaghan, who will remain as head coach for the duration of the Gold Cup, will attempt to lead his side to consecutive titles.
Jamaica and head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, on the other hand, enter the tournament seeking revenge against the US after their 1-0 quarterfinal defeat in the 2021 tournament. The Carribbean side will be a tough test for USA as they welcome Demarai Gray after he switched his international allegiance from England to the Reggae Boyz.
The two countries have met 31 times dating back to 1988, with the USA leads the all-time series 19-3-3. The last time they experienced defeat against Jamaica was in 2019, during an international friendly, 1-0. Will USA triumph over Jamaica for the 20th time, or will the Reggae Boyz take control of Group A with an upset?
When is kick-off? 9:30 PM EST
Where is the game being played? Soldier Field
TV channel/live stream? TUDN, Univision, FS1
What time does TV coverage start? 9:15 PM EST
B.J Callaghan had star-studded lineups in the Nations League final and semifinal that included the likes of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Folarin Balogun. But those players are now preparing for pre-season with their clubs, forcing Callaghan to lead a much different squad in this Concacaf tournament.
Beyond Matt Turner, who returns to the camp as the No. 1 goalkeeper, it is an MLS-heavy roster for the American side as Cristian Roldan, Aidan Morris, Jesus Ferreira lead the way. Jordan Morris, DeAndre Yedlin, Cade Cowell, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas will also form part of this Gold Cup side in an attempt to win the trophy.
USA are riding a six-game unbeaten streak and look to make it seven straight against Jamaica.
Andre Blake will be in between the posts for Jamaica as he closes in on 60 appearances for them in all competitions. The potential front three of Demarai Gray, Michail Antonio, and Leon Bailey could pose a threat for USA’s backline with their pace and skill.
Antonio has scored three goals for Jamaica in seven appearances after making the one-time switch from England in 2021, while Bailey has managed three goals in 19 games played. It will be interesting to see what those two can do with Gray up front in the Everton player’s debut for the Carribbean nation.
Following their Nations League exit in March, Jamaica has since played Qatar, who are also competing in the Gold Cup for a second time, and Jordan in tune-up friendlies. Jamaica were unable to win in either games, losing 2-1 twice. The Reggae Boyz hope to find the same magic that helped them knock off USA back in 2015 to set the tone early on.
On paper, USA has the more balanced squad, but Jamaica’s attacking unit should be able to create some chances to keep them in the game if they receive enough service. Things could get tricky for USA, especially if they are without Miles Robinson.
USA’s forwards are still top-class, though. Together, they should be able to create plenty of chances against the Jamaica defense between Morris, Ferreira, Roldan, and Vazquez, but getting past Blake might be difficult. However, USA should have enough quality to overcome Jamaica in Matchday one of the Gold Cup.
Prediction: USA 2 – Jamaica 1
