Concacaf has announced that the 2027 Gold Cup will use a Swiss Model group-stage format, moving from four groups of four to two groups of eight.
Group-stage and knockout format
The 16 participating nations will each play four group-stage matches against opponents determined by a specialised ranking system. The top four teams from each group will advance to a standard single-elimination knockout stage. Concacaf said the format means Mexico and the United States could face each other earlier in the competition.
Tournament dates and host nation
The 2027 Gold Cup will kick off on June 17, with the final scheduled for July 11. A host nation has yet to be confirmed.
Qualification and draw
Fifteen teams will qualify through the 2026-27 Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup preliminary rounds, and they will be joined by Saudi Arabia as a special guest nation. The full fixture list will be revealed when the draw takes place on April 8.
Montagliani on the new format
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani said: “Our fans want to see the best teams in our region compete against each other, and this format will create more opportunities for those matchups to happen earlier in the competition.”
Montagliani said: “At the same time, every match will matter, with teams facing a balanced mix of opponents and competing for a place in the knockout rounds.”
Montagliani said: “We believe this will make for a more competitive and exciting Gold Cup from the very first match through to the Final.”
