CONCACAF changes Gold Cup format to 2 groups of 8 teams starting in 2027

The Gold Cup soccer tournament 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. MORE SOCCER COVERAGE USMNT Nov 4 Pulisic, Balogun return to USMNT roster for CONCACAF games vs. Haiti