Gold Cup gets striking format with two mega-groups

The 2025 Gold Cup will split 16 teams into two groups of eight instead of four groups of four, with the top four from each advancing to the knockout stage.

The Gold Cup is undergoing a significant format change for its 2025 edition. The 16 participating nations will be divided into two groups of eight, a departure from the previous structure of four groups of four.

Under the new format, teams will still play only four group matches, meaning three potential opponents will be avoided. CONCACAF will use a pot system to ensure all teams receive balanced schedules, similar to the competition phases introduced in European tournaments in 2024. The confederation aims to create more competitive matches in the opening round with this restructuring.

The tournament will run from June 17 to July 11, 2025, though the host nation has not yet been confirmed. Curaçao, managed by Dick Advocaat, can secure qualification later this year by defeating Panama in the Nations League quarter-final, while Suriname must take a longer route after missing the last eight.