The qualification process was interrupted in July by the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Costa Rica began the tournament by defeating Honduras with a lone goal by Marco Ureña, marking the first time the "Ticos" defeated Honduras in a Gold Cup match. "La Sele" went on to top their group after a draw against Canada and a victory against French Guiana. In the quarter-finals, Costa Rica defeated Panama with an own goal by Aníbal Godoy, thus making the "Ticos" qualify to the Gold Cup semifinals for the first time since 2009. The United States defeated Costa Rica in the semifinals with goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey.