The groups for the Concacaf Gold Cup final have been decided. The United States is in Group D with Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti. The tournament starts on June 14 and ends on July 6, with the final game in Houston, Texas at NRG Stadium. This Gold Cup will be a bit different from previous ones. After a disappointing Concacaf Nations League Finals, the United States might use their best players this time under their new coach, Mauricio Pochettino.
Since the Gold Cup is just a year before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it`s the last chance for these three countries to play competitive matches before the World Cup. As the host nation, the U.S. doesn`t have to play in the Concacaf World Cup qualifying, making this Gold Cup even more important.
Canada will also host games in this tournament, with Vancouver being a host city for the first time. The other locations are in the United States, spread across the Midwest to the West Coast. The tournament will happen at the same time as the FIFA Club World Cup for part of the summer.
The United States` disappointment in the Nations League, which Mexico won, might be why they send top players like Christian Pulisic to the Gold Cup. This tournament gives Pochettino the most time he`s had with the team since becoming coach. The USMNT needs to define their style under Pochettino, and this tournament is a good chance to do that and build positive momentum for the World Cup. Saudi Arabia is a guest team in the tournament, so the USMNT will face strong opponents. Let`s look at the groups.
Concacaf Gold Cup Groups
- Group A: Mexico, Costa Rica, Suriname, Dominican Republic
- Group B: Canada, Honduras, El Salvador, Curacao
- Group C: Panama, Jamaica, Guatemala, Guadeloupe
- Group D: United States, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia
The top two teams from each group will go to the knockout stage and compete for the Gold Cup championship. Mexico is the current champion, and the United States last won in 2021. Memories of Trinidad & Tobago preventing the U.S. from qualifying for the 2018 World Cup will be remembered after this draw. The U.S. will also play against Saudi Arabia, who famously upset Argentina, the eventual World Cup champions, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This tournament is a good opportunity for Pochettino to move past those past disappointments.
Although there isn`t a clear “group of death,” Mexico in a group with Suriname, who are getting better, could see some surprises if Mexico isn`t careful. The United States, Mexico, and Canada are all expected to win their groups, but Concacaf teams are improving quickly, so there will be no easy games. All three teams will feel they have a chance to win the cup in Houston.
Key Dates
- Group Stage: June 14 – 24
- Quarter finals: June 28 – 29
- Semi finals: July 2
- Final: July 6
