The CONCACAF Gold Cup is the main association football competition for the men’s national football teams governed by CONCACAF, determining the continental champion of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Gold Cup is held every two years and features 12 national teams from the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
When and Where Did the CONCACAF Gold Cup First Start?
The CONCACAF Gold Cup was first held in 1991, replacing the CONCACAF Championship which had been played since 1963. The first tournament was hosted by the United States and took place from July 5-21, 1991. Seven teams participated in the inaugural CONCACAF Gold Cup: Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.
The United States won the first Gold Cup title, defeating Honduras on penalties in the final after a 0-0 draw. Mexico has since emerged as the most successful nation in CONCACAF Gold Cup history, winning 8 titles including 4 straight wins from 2009 to 2015. The United States has 6 Gold Cup titles to their name.
What is the Format and Structure of the CONCACAF Gold Cup?
The CONCACAF Gold Cup features 12 national teams drawn into three groups of four teams each. The group stage consists of a round robin format, with each team playing the other three opponents in their group once. The top two teams in each group along with the two best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage.
The quarterfinals, semifinals, and final consist of single elimination matches. If a match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time is played. If still tied after extra time, the match goes to a penalty shootout.
The winner of the CONCACAF Gold Cup final is crowned the continental champion and receives the CONCACAF Gold Cup trophy. The winning nation also qualifies for the CONCACAF Cup, which is a playoff against the winner of the previous Gold Cup for a spot in the Confederations Cup.
CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage
12 teams are drawn into 3 groups of 4 teams each
Round robin format – each team plays other 3 opponents once
Top 2 teams in each group advance
Best 2 third-placed teams advance
CONCACAF Gold Cup Knockout Stage
Quarterfinals – 8 teams
Semifinals – 4 teams
Finals – 2 teams
Single elimination matches
Extra time and penalties if drawn after 90 minutes
What Teams Participate in the CONCACAF Gold Cup?
A total of 12 national teams participate in each edition of the Gold Cup. The field consists of:
- The top 5 finishers from the previous Gold Cup
- The 6 nations with the highest FIFA ranking from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean
- The host nation (if not already qualified)
As the host nation, the United States and Mexico receive automatic qualification. Canada is usually granted automatic qualification as well based on high FIFA ranking. Some of the other recent participants include:
Country | Confederation |
---|---|
Costa Rica | CONCACAF |
Honduras | CONCACAF |
Jamaica | CONCACAF |
Panama | CONCACAF |
El Salvador | CONCACAF |
Curaçao | CONCACAF |
Where is the CONCACAF Gold Cup Hosted?
The CONCACAF Gold Cup is primarily hosted in the United States, as they have large stadiums and infrastructure in place to support major international tournaments. However, some editions have seen matches played in other North American and Central American countries.
Here are some of the past and future CONCACAF Gold Cup host nations:
- 1991 – United States
- 1993 – Mexico & United States
- 1998 – United States
- 2000 – United States
- 2002 – United States
- 2003 – Mexico & United States
- 2005 – United States
- 2007 – United States
- 2009 – United States
- 2011 – United States
- 2013 – United States
- 2015 – United States & Canada
- 2017 – United States
- 2019 – United States, Jamaica & Costa Rica
- 2021 – United States
- 2023 – United States, Costa Rica & Panama
The United States has hosted the CONCACAF Gold Cup 13 times, including every tournament from 1998 to 2017. Recent editions have expanded to include additional host countries such as Canada, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama.
What are Some Key Facts and Stats on the CONCACAF Gold Cup?
- 12 national teams participate in each edition
- Held every 2 years since 1991
- Most titles: Mexico (8), United States (6)
- Most appearances: United States (15), Mexico (15)
- Highest attendance: 93,723 (Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA – 2011 Final)
- All-time leading scorer: Landon Donovan (USA) – 18 goals
- Most goals in a single tournament: 11, Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala, 2002)
- Current champion: United States (2021)
- Upcoming tournament: 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup hosted by United States, Costa Rica and Panama
Who are Some Legendary Players in CONCACAF Gold Cup History?
Some of the biggest legends in CONCACAF football history have shined brightly on the Gold Cup stage. Here are five of the greatest players to compete in the continental championship:
Landon Donovan (USA)
Donovan is the all-time leading scorer in Gold Cup history, netting 18 goals across 14 tournament editions. He led the United States to 6 titles and was named Best Player of the Gold Cup in 2002 and 2013.
Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala)
Ruiz scored 11 goals at the 2002 Gold Cup, the most ever in a single tournament. His clutch performances led Guatemala to a surprise 4th place finish, their best ever Gold Cup result.
Luis Roberto Alves (Mexico)
Better known as “Zague,” the Mexican legend won three straight Gold Cup titles from 1993-1998 as El Tri dominated the competition. He was top scorer of the 1993 edition.
Eric Wynalda (USA)
Wynalda scored big goals in the early Gold Cup tournaments, netting 9 goals overall. He was named Best Player and top scorer in the inaugural 1991 edition.
Raul Diaz Arce (Costa Rica)
Diaz Arce led Costa Rica to their best-ever finish as Gold Cup runners up in 2002. He tallied 8 goals in that tournament and finished as top scorer.
What Memorable Moments Have Happened in CONCACAF Gold Cup History?
Some of the most iconic moments in the history of the tournament include:
- Donovan’s Stoppage Time Drama (2007) – Landon Donovan scores in the 119th minute against Mexico in the 2007 Gold Cup final, giving the USA a thrilling 2-1 victory.
- Wynalda Opens Gold Cup Account (1991) – Eric Wynalda scores the first-ever goal in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in a 4-0 win for the USA over Trinidad & Tobago.
- Unexpected Runners-Up (2002) – Costa Rica surprises by reaching the 2002 Gold Cup final, losing 2-0 to the United States led by Landon Donovan and Brian McBride.
- Canada’s First Title (2000) – Playing as Gold Cup debutants, Canada wins their first continental title on home soil after defeating Colombia 2-0 in the 2000 final.
- Mexico Golden Era (1993-1998) – Mexico assembles a dominant generation, winning 3 consecutive Gold Cup titles from 1993-1998 led by Luis Garcia, Luis Hernandez and other stars.
Conclusion
The CONCACAF Gold Cup has established itself as one of the premier competitions in international football. With intense regional rivalries and star-studded rosters, it provides exciting football every two years. As the competition expands with more participating nations and hosts, the Gold Cup continues to be hotly contested by the top teams in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.