A young and inexperienced U.S. "B team" will have its hands full with a strong Jamaica side as the two meet to open the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The United States is fresh off hoisting the Nations League title just over a week ago, but nearly all of the first-choice roster from that competition has been swapped out for a team full of fringe internationals, with all but five players rotated.
While they retool and readjust, Jamaica come in to the Gold Cup seeing an opportunity. With strong Premier League talent in the attack, the Reggae Boyz will see a depleted U.S. roster, a struggling Mexico side, and a Canada team without their two attacking stars, and think they have a real chance to surprise in this tournament.
This opening match will go a long way towards setting the tone of the competition for both sides, and either team will know that victory could set them up for success moving forward.
USA vs Jamaica match facts
- Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 10:06 p.m. ET / 9:06 p.m. CT / 7:06 p.m. PT
- Location: Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)
- Official: TBD
- Last meeting: Jamaica 1-1 USA (Nov. 16, 2021 | 2022 World Cup qualifying)
USA vs Jamaica prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Draw (+280)
- Score prediction: USA 1-1 Jamaica
The United States is a clear favorite in this match, but maybe not by as great a margin as one might expect. This is likely due to the uncertainty of the talent level on the U.S. roster, with so much turnover from the Nations League triumph.
Meanwhile, Jamaica sport a number of experienced Premier League players, and it will be tough for the U.S. "B team" to secure a dominant win, even if Jamaica are not in good form as a team.
With the U.S. missing all their difference-makers, and Jamaica sporting a strong defensive unit, it's possible that both sides could ease into the competition with a draw knowing that they both are likely to reach the knockout stage regardless.
However, the late line movement has been in the direction of the tournament hosts, with U.S. moneyline odds shifting down to -175, with Jamaica's bumped all the way up over 4/1. There's also a shift towards fewer goals, with both teams to score now at even money just hours before kickoff.
| USA win | Draw | Jamaica win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | USA -0.5 | JAM +0.5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (USA) | -175 | +280 | +450 | +100 / -145 | -110 / -135 | -185 | +130 |
| Sports Interaction (Canada) | -159 | +285 | +400 | -111 / -139 | -103 / -123 | -159 | +125 |
USA vs Jamaica best bet
- Pick: Under 2.5 goals
- Odds: -130 (BetMGM)
These two teams have every reason to shore up the defensive line first, and make goal scoring secondary. With knockout stage qualification almost assured lest one of them drop points to either Trinidad & Tobago or St. Kitts & Nevis, there's no reason to go all-out in this game.
The last three matches between these two sides has ended with fewer than three goals, and with Jamaica sporting strong defensive talent, led by Brentford regular Ethan Pinnock, it will take a strong effort from a patchwork U.S. attack to find multiple goals in this game.
USA vs Jamaica prop bet
- Pick: Cade Cowell anytime goal scorer
- Odds: +260 (FanDuel)
While Cade Cowell has yet to score in MLS play, he played an integral role for the U-20 national team in its charge towards the quarterfinals, scoring in all three matches he appeared in prior to defeat against Uruguay.
Cowell is maybe an even better chance creator than he is a chance finisher, but playing off the hold-up play of Jesus Ferreira, he could be a force in the attack if BJ Callaghan turns to the youngster.
Remember, always wait for starting lineups before placing player props — especially in this case, considering it's tough to know who Callaghan will trust from the opening whistle. With Jordan Morris once again struggling for form and fitness, and Julian Gressel on baby watch, Cowell could be the one to go on the wing in this match.
USA vs Jamaica live stream, TV channel
MORE: Watch Premier League matches live with Fubo in USA
- Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023
- Time (ET): 9:30 p.m.
- TV channel: FS1
- Streaming: Fubo, Fox Sports GO
- TV channel (Spanish): TUDN, Univision
- Streaming (Spanish): Fubo, TUDN app, Univision NOW
The entirety of the CONCACAF Gold Cup will be televised in the United States in English by FOX, with most matches shown on FS1, including the tournament opener between the U.S. and Jamaica.
A Spanish language broadcast of the match, as well as for much of the tournament, can be found on TUDN and Univision.
Both channels are available to stream on Fubo, with a free trial available for new users.
