The Gold Cup stands as the premier competition for teams that are members of Concacaf, pitting nations in a bid to crown the region’s strongest side. It is the badge and banner event that every team in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean circles on the calendar, aiming to prove regional supremacy on the most visible stage in the region.
Historically, the Gold Cup has carried the weight of being the defining tournament for Concacaf nations. It is widely recognized as the top prize in the confederation, with teams such as Mexico, the United States, and Costa Rica often identified as perennial contenders. Each edition tests how far these programs have advanced and whether others can surge to claim a surprise title.
Originally named the Concacaf Cup from 1963 through 1989, the competition underwent a format shift in 1991 that reshaped the event’s competitiveness and structure. Since then, the Gold Cup has evolved into a tournament that not only crowns a regional champion but also reflects the growth and development of the sport across the member states.
The Gold Cup holds immense appeal for many fans, though interest can vary by market and by the level of competition presented in any given year. In some periods, the tournament has faced stiff competition for attention, particularly when fans compare it to other continental events. Yet the Gold Cup remains a crucial showcase for players, coaches, and national programs in the region, contributing to the broader narrative of international soccer in North America and the Caribbean.
Within the Gold Cup’s history, a diverse roster of teams has taken part in the competition across editions. The list below reflects teams that have appeared in various years of the tournament, illustrating the breadth of participation and the regional reach of Concacaf’s championship. It is not a current standings table but a historical snapshot of participants over time, demonstrating the variety and persistence of national teams in the region. Participants have included a wide mix of nations from the Americas and beyond, each contributing to the tournament’s evolving story.
- Mexico
- United States
- Costa Rica
- Canada
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Panama
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Suriname
- Guyana
- Martinique
- Guadeloupe
- Belize
- Cuba
- Suriname
- Aruba
- Barbados
- Dominica