Article Overview
Author: Patrick Everson
Position: Fox Sports Betting Analyst
When the Gold Cup Futures Odds were first released, the prospect of a United States vs. Mexico final attracted considerable attention from bookmakers, as it represented a potential major showdown with El Tori facing the U.S. men’s national team on the opposite side of the bracket. The U.S. team almost jeopardized this anticipated match by narrowly escaping a penalty shootout on Sunday night.
Despite the close call, both teams are still set to compete in the semi-finals on Wednesday, maintaining the potential for that highly anticipated final—a development that pleases bookmakers. Mark Bickerdyke, head of football trading at Caesars Sports, noted, “The US-Mexico final is great for football fans, and if that occurs, we anticipate considerable interest,” emphasizing that five of the six most-wagered events thus far have involved either the U.S. or Mexico.
Thrilling Outcomes
In their recent knockout match, the U.S. and Costa Rica finished regulation tied at 2-2. Due to new Gold Cup rules, this situation did not call for extra time; instead, both teams proceeded directly to penalty kicks, where the U.S. triumphed 4-3. This outcome was favorable for Caesars Sports, as three-way betting options had generated significant interest.
Team USA garnered substantial attention in three-way bets, with Caesars hoping for their victory. “Draws are always beneficial for the bookmakers,” Bickerdyke remarked. In this case, 85% of the market favored the U.S., reflecting confidence in their performance.
Upcoming Semi-Finals
Looking ahead, the U.S. faces Guatemala on Wednesday in St. Louis at 7 PM, followed by Mexico playing against Honduras at 10 PM ET in Santa Clara, California. The U.S. is currently favored at -360 in three-way betting, while Guatemala stands as an underdog at +900.
In this early market, Bickerdyke observed a split, with 68% of bets favoring the U.S. to win within 90 minutes. However, 40% of wagers are backing Guatemala, showcasing a high-risk, high-reward situation for bettors.
Final Thoughts
Patrick Everson and the Caesars team look forward to a showdown between the tournament’s top teams in the finals. Bickerdyke highlighted that the current odds favor only Mexico for winning the championship, but patrons are increasingly placing bets on Honduras in the semi-finals, hinting at a potential upset.
Moreover, bettors are keen on a U.S.-Mexico final that goes to penalties, despite needing at least 30 minutes of overtime for that to happen. Ultimately, a U.S. win, especially through penalties, is viewed as favorable for bookmakers.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer fans because it not only sets the stage for a classic rivalry but also reflects the rising stakes and excitement surrounding the Gold Cup. The potential U.S.-Mexico final could invigorate interest and participation in soccer across North America, emphasizing the sport’s growing importance in the region.
