Trinidad & Tobago Fall Just Short as Saudi Arabia Clinch Quarterfinal Spot in Dramatic Gold Cup Finish

In the early kickoff of a thrilling double-header at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Saudi Arabia and Trinidad & Tobago battled to a 1-1 draw in their final Group D match of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. With second place in the group up for grabs and the United States already through to the quarterfinals, this fixture carried high stakes for both nations, as well as for Haiti, who were hoping for a lifeline in the other simultaneous group game.

Heading into this clash, Saudi Arabia sat second with three points following a narrow win over Haiti and a 1-0 defeat to the USMNT. Trinidad & Tobago, meanwhile, had just one point after a heavy loss to the United States and a spirited draw with Haiti. A win for either side would likely send them through, while a draw would favor Saudi Arabia depending on the outcome of the USMNT vs Haiti matchup.

In the opening stages, both sides cautiously felt their way into the game. Despite Saudi Arabia enjoying more possession, Trinidad struck first in the 10th minute. Dante Sealy cut inside far too easily after Abdulhamid failed to close him down, and Sealy responded with a curling strike into the top corner to put Trinidad ahead.

Trinidad continued to show attacking intent with a well-worked chance in the 15th minute, forcing a sharp save from Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi. Saudi Arabia struggled in possession for much of the first half, failing to connect in the final third and repeatedly giving the ball away under pressure.

As the halftime whistle blew, Trinidad were temporarily in second place and on course for a surprise quarterfinal berth. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Haiti were set to be eliminated, with Haiti drawing 1-1 with the USMNT at the break.

Saudi Arabia made key substitutions to start the second half and came out with greater urgency. Their improved play paid off in the 60th minute when a powerful shot rattled the crossbar and fell kindly to Firas Al-Buraikan, who tapped it into an empty net for the equalizer.

Momentum shifted toward the Saudis, who began to look far more composed and threatening in possession. In the 71st minute, they nearly went ahead after a recycled attack led to a goalmouth scramble. Justin Garcia produced a heroic clearance off the line to keep Trinidad’s hopes alive.

Despite their defensive efforts, Trinidad found it difficult to recreate the energy of their first half. Still, they nearly had a moment of glory in the dying seconds. Garcia, the earlier defensive hero, found himself through on goal, only to see his effort smash off the crossbar. It was a golden opportunity squandered, and not the player Trinidad would have hoped for in such a moment.

The match ended 1-1, securing Saudi Arabia’s passage to the quarterfinals. USMNT’s 2-1 victory over Haiti in the other match sealed the fate of both Haiti and Trinidad & Tobago.

While Trinidad left the tournament with pride and plenty of heart, it was Saudi Arabia who ultimately held their nerve and earned a valuable draw. With their quarterfinal place now secure, they must improve going forward particularly in attack if they hope to make a deeper run in the Gold Cup.

By: Jahvon Barrett / @JahvonBarrett

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Getty Images