Concacaf to split Gold Cup into two eight-team groups in 2027

Concacaf will overhaul the Gold Cup’s group stage for 2027, replacing four groups of four with two groups of eight. Teams will not play every opponent in their group; instead, each will face four teams selected through ranking-based pots and bands, guaranteeing four group-stage matches rather than three. The top four teams in each group will advance to the quarterfinals, followed by the usual single-elimination rounds. Concacaf says the format is intended to make the group stage more competitive and bring higher-profile matchups forward. The tournament is scheduled for June 17 to July 11, 2027, with the draw set for April 8; 15 Concacaf teams will qualify, and Saudi Arabia will return as a guest nation.