2027 Gold Cup Format Changes Will See USA, Mexico Part Of Two Groups Of 8 Teams

Fox News · Associated Press · 2026-11-05 20:00 UTC

CONCACAF has announced a new format for the Gold Cup soccer tournament, shifting from four groups to two starting with the next edition.

The Gold Cup soccer tournament – which features squads like the U.S. men's national team and Mexico's men's national team – will shift from a four-group format of 16 teams to a two-group structure starting with its next edition, the North American governing body known as CONCACAF said Thursday.

Through last year's tournament, the Gold Cup featured 16 national teams divided into four groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. Under the new format, the two groups will consist of eight countries each, with the top four teams from each advancing. The new structure guarantees all participating teams at least four matches instead of three.

"We are really excited about what this new format will bring to the tournament’s group stage," CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani said. "Every match will matter, with teams facing a balanced mix of opponents and competing for a place in the knockout rounds."

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