The U.S. defeated Costa Rica in a come-from-behind win, 4-3 on penalties to advance to the semifinals and Guatemala pulled off the upset over Canada, 6-5 on penalties. Guatemala finished second to Panama in the group stage with a record of 2-1.

Diego Luna scored twice in the first 15 minutes, and the United States hung on to beat Guatemala 2-1 to reach its first CONCACAF Gold Cup final since 2021.

Las Cruces native Aaron Herrera was one of Guatemala's best players at the Gold Cup & played a key role in its first semifinal appearance since 1996.