The stage is set for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup after Thursday’s official draw placed the United States in Group D alongside Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and guest nation Saudi Arabia. Defending champions Mexico, meanwhile, will face Costa Rica, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic in Group A.
Tournament Structure and Key Dates
The 16-team tournament kicks off on june 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals on June 28-29. The semifinals follow on july 2, and the final will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on July 6.
Other Notable Groupings
– Group B features Canada, Honduras, El Salvador, and Curacao.
– Group C includes 2023 finalists Panama, along with Jamaica, Guatemala, and Guadeloupe.
Panama, which stunned the USMNT in the 2023 semifinals, will look to make another deep run, while Canada aims to replicate its historic 2000 Gold Cup triumph.
Saudi Arabia as Guest Team
Saudi Arabia, participating as an invitee for the first time, will also feature in the 2027 Gold Cup. Their inclusion adds an intriguing dynamic to Group D, where the USMNT will be the clear favorite.
New Venues and Scheduling Challenges
This year’s tournament will debut matches at U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis), PayPal Park (San Jose), and BC Place (Vancouver). However, the FIFA Club World Cup, also taking place in summer 2025, may force some teams to field weakened squads due to player unavailability.
Road to 2026 World Cup
The Gold Cup will serve as the final competitive tournament for the USMNT, Mexico, and Canada before they co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexico, the most successful Gold Cup nation with nine titles, will aim to extend its dominance after recently winning the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League. The USMNT, with seven Gold Cup wins, seeks redemption after a disappointing third-place finish in the Nations League.
Full Group Stage Draw:
– Group A: Mexico, Costa Rica, Suriname, Dominican Republic
– Group B: Canada, Honduras, El Salvador, Curacao
– Group C: Panama, Jamaica, Guatemala, Guadeloupe
– Group D: USA, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia
With exciting matchups and high stakes, the 2025 Gold Cup promises thrilling action as North America’s top teams prepare for the global stage in 2026.
2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Draw Revealed: USMNT Lands in Group D, Mexico Defends Title in Group A
