USA and Costa Rica Secure Spots at FIFA U-20 World Cup
The United States advanced to the semifinals of the CONCACAF U-20 Championship by defeating Guatemala 3‑1 in the quarterfinals, with forward Caden Clark scoring twice. The win keeps the U.S. on track for a strong finish in the tournament.
In the other quarterfinal, Costa Rica overcame Haiti after a 1‑1 draw, winning the penalty shoot‑out 5‑3. The victory guarantees the Costa Rican U‑20 side a place at the 2027 FIFA U‑20 World Cup in Azerbaijan‑Uzbekistan, ending a ten‑year absence from the event. Coach Randall Row highlighted the team's mental strength in the decisive moments. Costa Rica will meet the winner of the United States‑Guatemala match in the semifinals.
Guatemala’s loss eliminates them from World Cup contention, marking another setback for the nation’s youth program.
Entities: CONCACAF U-20 Championship · Costa Rica U-20 men's national team · Costa Rica men's U-20 national team · FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 · Guatemala men's U-20 national team · Haiti U-20 men's team · Haiti men's U-20 national team · Randall Row · United States men's U-20 national team