The groups for the Concacaf Gold Cup are set. The United States will compete in Group D against Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti. The tournament starts on June 14th and ends with the final on July 6th at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. This Gold Cup is a bit different, especially after the US team`s less successful Concacaf Nations League Finals. New coach Mauricio Pochettino might use this tournament to make changes and solidify the team.
With the World Cup in 2026 being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this Gold Cup is a crucial opportunity for these nations to play competitive matches beforehand. Since the U.S. qualifies automatically for the World Cup as a host, the Gold Cup becomes even more important for gaining competitive experience.
Canada will also host games during this tournament, with Vancouver being a first-time host city. Other locations will be across the United States, from the Midwest to the West Coast. The tournament will overlap with the FIFA Club World Cup during the summer.
The United States` disappointing performance at the Nations League, which Mexico won, might mean top players like Christian Pulisic will participate in the Gold Cup. This tournament gives coach Pochettino valuable time with the team, which he needs to help them find their playing style and build momentum for the World Cup. Saudi Arabia is an invited team, adding strong competition to the group. Here`s a look at all 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 advance to the knockout rounds and compete for the Gold Cup title. Mexico is the current champion, while the United States last won in 2021. For the US team, memories of Trinidad & Tobago preventing them from qualifying for the 2018 World Cup might still be in mind after this draw. They will also face Saudi Arabia, who famously defeated Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. This tournament is a good chance for Pochettino to move forward from past disappointments.
While no group is definitively a “group of death,” Mexico`s group with Suriname could be tricky if Mexico isn`t careful. The United States, Mexico, and Canada are all expected to win their groups, but Concacaf teams are getting better quickly, so there will be tough matches. All three major teams will feel they have a chance to win the Gold Cup in Houston.
Key Dates
- Group Stage: June 14 – 24
- Quarterfinals: June 28 – 29
- Semifinals: July 2
- Final: July 6
Adrian Whitmore