Event/Match Date & Time: March 24, 2026, 8:00 PM ET (PayPal Park, San Jose, California)
USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team lineups produced a tense, high-quality Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal second leg on March 24, 2026, at PayPal Park. The United States secured a 2-1 victory (5-3 aggregate) to advance to the semifinals, thanks to second-half goals from Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun after Costa Rica had equalized the aggregate through Álvaro Zamora’s 55th-minute strike. Gregg Berhalter’s side showed composure and quality when it mattered most, while Gustavo Alfaro’s Costa Rica displayed resilience and tactical discipline but ultimately fell short against the hosts’ depth and home advantage.
This Costa Rica national football team vs USMNT lineups tie (second leg) was a classic Concacaf knockout battle—physical, emotional, and decided by fine margins. The first leg in San José ended 3-2 to the USMNT, setting up a nervy return fixture. Pulisic’s leadership, Balogun’s clinical finish, and Weston McKennie’s midfield dominance proved decisive, while Costa Rica’s young stars (Zamora, Brandon Aguilera) showed why they are considered an emerging force in the region. For fans searching USMNT vs Costa Rica lineups March 2026 or Concacaf Nations League player stats, this match highlighted the growing competitiveness of Central American football against the United States’ depth and experience.
The San Jose crowd created a passionate yet respectful atmosphere, with both sets of supporters making noise throughout. Questions like “Can Costa Rica complete the comeback?” and “Will Pulisic deliver in a big moment again?” dominated pre-match discussion. The answers came through 90+ minutes of intensity, late drama, and a decisive USMNT performance that sent them through to the final four.
Quick Summary
The United States defeated Costa Rica 2-1 in the second leg (5-3 aggregate) to reach the Concacaf Nations League semifinals. After a tense first half, Pulisic and Balogun scored in the second period to secure the win.
| Team | Final Score (2nd Leg / Agg) | Goals Scored By | Possession | Shots (On Target) | xG (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (USMNT) | 2 / (5-3) | Pulisic (62′), Balogun (78′) | 58% | 17 (7) | 2.1 |
| Costa Rica | 1 / 3 | Álvaro Zamora (55′) | 42% | 10 (4) | 1.0 |
Key Players
USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team lineups reflected Berhalter’s preference for athleticism and pressing versus Alfaro’s compact, counter-attacking structure.
| Team | Formation | Starting XI & Key Players | Notable Stats/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (USMNT) | 4-3-3 | Matt Turner (GK); Joe Scally, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah; Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah | Pulisic & Balogun goals; McKennie 92% pass acc.; Turner 4 saves. No major injuries. |
| Costa Rica | 4-4-2 | Patrick Sequeira (GK); Haxzel Quirós, Francisco Calvo, Juan Pablo Vargas, Gerald Taylor; Brandon Aguilera, Jefferson Brenes, Orlando Galo, Álvaro Zamora; Manfred Ugalde, Josimar Alcócer | Zamora goal; Aguilera creative spark. Defensive injuries forced rotation. |
Game Details Breakdown
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | Concacaf Nations League 2026/27 Quarterfinal 2nd Leg |
| Venue | PayPal Park, San Jose, California |
| Attendance | 18,000+ (sellout) |
| Referee | Oshane Nation (Jamaica) |
| Weather | Clear, 62°F – ideal conditions |
| Broadcast | Paramount+, TUDN, FOX Sports |
First Half: Cautious and cagey. Costa Rica defended deep, USMNT dominated possession but created few clear chances. HT: 0-0 (agg 3-2 USA).
Second Half: Game opened up. Zamora equalized aggregate (55′), but Pulisic restored lead (62′) and Balogun sealed it (78′). Late consolation chance for Costa Rica denied by Turner. FT: 2-1.
Additional Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aggregate Result | USA 5-3 advance |
| Key Substitutions | Balogun → Weah (impact goal), Aaronson → Musah (energy) |
| Yellow Cards | 4 (2 each side) – competitive but fair |
| VAR Usage | Confirmed Pulisic goal (offside check) |
Where did it take place?
PayPal Park, San Jose – a fortress for the USMNT.
When was the game?
March 24, 2026, 8:00 PM ET kick-off.
Why was this match important?
Winner advanced to Concacaf Nations League semifinals and gained crucial ranking points.
How did the US win with the USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team lineups showing Costa Rica’s early resilience?
Through superior fitness, midfield dominance after halftime, and clinical finishing from Pulisic and Balogun.
First Half Breakdown
Tense & Tactical Battle
Both teams started cautiously, respecting the aggregate scoreline.
- Costa Rica sat deep in a 4-4-2 block, forcing USMNT wide.
- USMNT controlled possession (62%) but struggled to penetrate.
- Key moments: Turner save on Ugalde header (28′); Pulisic shot blocked (41′).
- Momentum: Even – neither team risked too much.
- Insights: Costa Rica’s press disrupted US build-up; USMNT lacked final ball quality.
No injuries; game remained controlled and tactical.
Second Half Breakdown
USMNT Quality Shines Through
The second half exploded into life after Zamora’s equalizer (55′).
- Pulisic restored aggregate lead (62′) with a low finish after Weah’s cut-back.
- Balogun made it 2-1 (78′) with a powerful header from Robinson’s cross.
- Costa Rica pushed late; Turner denied Aguilera in stoppage time.
- Key moments: Pulisic’s composure, Balogun’s aerial strength, Turner’s late save.
- Momentum shift: After 55th-minute scare, USMNT never looked back.
- Strategies/insights: Berhalter’s subs (Weah, Balogun, Aaronson) injected pace; Costa Rica ran out of ideas late.
Highlight Standout Performances
| Player | Team | Key Metrics (Goals/Assists/Other) | Rating | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Pulisic | USMNT | 1 goal, 1 assist, 4 key passes | 9.1 | Equalizer + leadership |
| Folarin Balogun | USMNT | 1 goal, 3 shots on target | 8.7 | Decisive header |
| Weston McKennie | USMNT | 91% pass acc., 5 tackles | 8.4 | Midfield engine |
| Álvaro Zamora | Costa Rica | 1 goal, 3 dribbles | 7.9 | Moment of quality |
| Matt Turner | USMNT | 3 saves, clean sheet (agg) | 8.0 | Late stop on Aguilera |
| Brandon Aguilera | Costa Rica | 2 key passes, 88% pass acc. | 7.6 | Creative spark in midfield |
Performance Comparisons
Shooting & Efficiency
| Team | Shots | On Target | Goals | xG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USMNT | 17 | 7 | 2 | 2.1 |
| Costa Rica | 10 | 4 | 1 | 1.0 |
Possession & Passing
| Team | Possession | Passes Completed | Pass Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| USMNT | 58% | 548 | 88% |
| Costa Rica | 42% | 362 | 81% |
USMNT controlled second half; Costa Rica dangerous on counters.
Clutch Moments
Zamora’s 55th-minute goal briefly leveled aggregate and gave Costa Rica hope in USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team lineups.
Pulisic’s 62nd-minute finish restored control and shifted momentum decisively.
Balogun’s 78th-minute header made it safe.
Turner’s 90’+4 save on Aguilera preserved aggregate lead.
Berhalter’s decision to bring on Balogun and Weah proved masterstroke in USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team lineups.
Conclusion
USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team lineups on March 24, 2026, showcased the growing depth and competitiveness of Concacaf football. The United States advanced with composure and quality, while Costa Rica left with pride despite the defeat. Pulisic’s leadership and Balogun’s finishing were decisive, underlining the USMNT’s status as regional favorites heading toward the 2026 World Cup. For Costa Rica, Zamora’s goal and Aguilera’s creativity signal a bright future. Matches like these continue to elevate the Concacaf Nations League and remind everyone why international football remains so compelling.
FAQs
What were the USMNT vs Costa Rica national football team lineups in the second leg?
USMNT (4-3-3): Turner; Scally, Richards, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Pulisic, Balogun, Weah. Costa Rica (4-4-2): Sequeira; Quirós, Calvo, Vargas, Taylor; Aguilera, Brenes, Galo, Zamora; Ugalde, Alcócer.
What was the final score?
United States 2-1 Costa Rica (5-3 aggregate).
Who scored for the USMNT?
Christian Pulisic (62′), Folarin Balogun (78′).
Who scored for Costa Rica?
Álvaro Zamora (55′).
What was the aggregate result?
USA advanced 5-3 on aggregate.
Were there key injuries?
No major in-game injuries; both teams rotated effectively.
Who was Man of the Match?
Christian Pulisic (widely agreed).
What tactics did Berhalter use?
High press, quick transitions, wing overloads.
Where can I watch highlights?
Concacaf YouTube, Paramount+, TUDN.
Was VAR used?
Yes, confirmed Pulisic goal.
What is the recent head-to-head history?
USMNT unbeaten in last 5 meetings (W4 D1).
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