What is the Gold Cup?
The Concacaf Gold Cup is the continental championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean, played every two years since 1991. Mexico are the record champions with ten titles, the latest won 2–1 over the United States in Houston in July 2025.[1] [2]
How do teams qualify?
Places go to the region's best via the Concacaf Nations League and qualifying playoffs, with 16 finalists — the tournament is staged chiefly in U.S. stadiums, and Mexico and the United States have contested most of its finals.[1]
Since when does it exist?
Concacaf's championship dates to 1963; the Gold Cup format and name arrived in 1991, when the United States won the first edition in Los Angeles.[1] [2]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Mexico | USA / Canada — 2–1 vs USA (Houston) |
| 2023 | Mexico | USA / Canada — 1–0 vs Panama |
| 2021 | United States | USA — 1–0 (a.e.t.) vs Mexico |
| 2019 | Mexico | USA / Costa Rica / Jamaica — 1–0 vs USA |
| 2017 | United States | USA — 2–1 vs Jamaica |
| 2015 | Mexico | USA / Canada — 3–1 vs Jamaica |
| 2013 | United States | USA — 1–0 vs Panama |
| 2011 | Mexico | USA — 4–2 vs USA |
| 2009 | Mexico | USA — 5–0 vs USA |
| 2007 | United States | USA — 2–1 vs Mexico |
Champions of the last ten editions (biennial).
Why does it matter?
It is the region's continental title and the competitive heart of the U.S.–Mexico rivalry; for players from Concacaf's 41 nations, Gold Cup selection is the region's top national-team credential.[1] [2]
References
- Concacaf — Gold Cup official site. Accessed August 2026.
- Concacaf — 2025 Gold Cup Final: Mexico 2-1 USA. Accessed August 2026.