2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the 15th edition of the biennial international men's soccer championship organized by CONCACAF, featuring senior national teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean region.[1] Held from June 15 to July 7, 2019, the tournament was co-hosted by the United States (with 15 venues across 13 cities), Costa Rica (hosting two group stage matches), and Jamaica (hosting two group stage matches at Independence Park in Kingston).[2] The competition expanded to 16 teams for the first time—up from 12 in previous editions—with four groups of four teams each, the top two advancing to the quarterfinals, followed by semifinals and a final.[3] Mexico emerged as champions, securing a record eighth Gold Cup title with a 1–0 victory over the host United States in the final at Soldier Field in Chicago, where Jonathan dos Santos scored the decisive goal in the 73rd minute.[4][5] This edition marked several historic milestones, including the first inclusion of matches outside the United States since 2003, highlighting CONCACAF's efforts to broaden regional participation.[3] Debutants Bermuda and Guyana made their Gold Cup debuts, while the tournament showcased the rising strength of Caribbean football, with Jamaica and Haiti reaching the semifinals—Jamaica defeating Panama 1–0 in the quarters via a penalty from Darren Mattocks, and Haiti staging a dramatic 3–2 comeback win over Canada in the quarterfinals.[3][6] Mexico's path included a dominant 7–0 group stage rout of Cuba and a 1–0 semifinal win over Haiti, underscoring their offensive prowess led by players like Raúl Jiménez.[4] The United States, as defending champions from 2017, advanced by topping Group D and beating Curaçao 1–0 in the quarterfinals before their semifinal triumph over Jamaica (3–1), but fell short in the final amid a transitional period for the team.[7][4] Overall, the 2019 Gold Cup drew record crowds and viewership, with 1,043,168 total attendance across 31 matches, reflecting growing popularity in the region as a key qualifier pathway toward the FIFA World Cup.[3] It also served as preparation for the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup qualification, though that event was later canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8]Background
Overview
The CONCACAF Gold Cup is the premier international men's soccer tournament organized by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), contested biennially to determine the confederation's champion.[9] It was established in 1991 as the successor to the CONCACAF Championship, which had been held irregularly since 1963, and has since become a key event showcasing regional talent and fostering rivalries, particularly between powerhouses like Mexico and the United States.[10] The inaugural edition featured eight teams and was hosted entirely in the United States, with the U.S. defeating Honduras on penalties in the final.[9] Over its history, the Gold Cup has undergone significant expansion to accommodate growing participation from CONCACAF's 41 member associations. Early tournaments varied in size, starting with eight teams in 1991, increasing to nine in 1996 (which also introduced non-CONCACAF guest teams like Brazil), and reaching 12 teams by 2000 through a format of three groups of four by 2005.[10] Qualification has evolved from regional championships like the Caribbean Cup and Copa Centroamericana to more structured pathways, including the CONCACAF Nations League starting in 2019, ensuring broader representation while prioritizing top performers from World Cup qualifying cycles.[7] By the 2010s, the tournament had solidified its status as a high-profile event, drawing large crowds and global viewership, with Mexico holding a record seven titles and the U.S. six as of the pre-2019 editions.[9] The 2019 edition marked the 15th Gold Cup and introduced key innovations, including an expansion to 16 teams divided into four groups of four, the first such increase since 2000, to enhance competitiveness and regional inclusion.[3] Primarily hosted in the United States across 15 venues, it extended to Central America and the Caribbean for the first time, with matches in San José, Costa Rica, and Kingston, Jamaica, reflecting CONCACAF's efforts to broaden its footprint.[7] Running from June 15 to July 7, 2019, the tournament served as an early test in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying cycle, featuring automatic qualifiers from the 2018 World Cup final round (such as Mexico, the U.S., Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago) alongside emerging nations like debutants Bermuda and Guyana.[1] This setup underscored the Gold Cup's role in developing soccer across the confederation, with the final scheduled at Soldier Field in Chicago.[7]Host selection
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup was primarily hosted by the United States, marking the continuation of its traditional role as the main venue for the tournament since its inception in 1991. On May 18, 2018, CONCACAF announced the selection of a record 15 stadiums across 13 U.S. metropolitan areas to accommodate the expanded 16-team format, including new venues such as Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles and Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This decision was part of CONCACAF's strategy to leverage the United States' extensive soccer infrastructure and fan base to support the tournament's growth, with announcements made through a series of local events involving dignitaries and host committees.[11] To broaden the tournament's regional footprint and align with CONCACAF's "ONE Concacaf" vision for increasing access and developing football across North and Central America and the Caribbean, additional co-hosts were incorporated for group-stage matches. On November 26, 2018, Costa Rica was selected to host a doubleheader on June 16, 2019, at Estadio Nacional in San José, representing the first time Gold Cup matches were held in Central America and highlighting the country's passionate fan base and ongoing professionalization efforts.[12] Subsequently, on April 2, 2019, Jamaica was announced as a co-host for a group-stage doubleheader on June 17, 2019, at National Stadium in Kingston, marking the tournament's inaugural appearance in the Caribbean region to celebrate local culture, inspire youth participation, and foster football development. These co-hosting arrangements expanded the event to three nations and 17 total venues, enhancing geographic diversity without a formal bidding process, as selections were directly determined by CONCACAF to promote regional equity and growth.[13]Venues
United States
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup utilized a record 15 venues across 13 metropolitan areas in the United States to host the majority of its 31 matches, reflecting the tournament's expansion to 16 teams and its role as a key event in the North American soccer calendar. These selections emphasized geographic diversity, from the Northeast to the West Coast and South, while incorporating both established NFL, MLS, and college stadiums with histories of international soccer events. Two new venues debuted: Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, home to Minnesota United FC, and Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California, the stadium of Los Angeles FC.[14] Eight of the host markets—Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, and Philadelphia—were among the candidate cities bidding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underscoring the Gold Cup's alignment with broader infrastructure development for global competitions. The venues varied in capacity, with larger NFL stadiums like NRG Stadium in Houston accommodating over 70,000 spectators and more intimate soccer-specific facilities like Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, seating around 25,000. Soldier Field in Chicago hosted the final on July 7, 2019, marking its sixth Gold Cup appearance and setting a record for the most tournament appearances by a single venue.[15][14] The following table lists all 15 U.S. venues, their locations, and prior Gold Cup hosting experience:| Venue | City | State | Previous Gold Cups Hosted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Field | Saint Paul | MN | None (debut) |
| Banc of California Stadium | Los Angeles | CA | None (debut) |
| Bank of America Stadium | Charlotte | NC | 2011, 2015 |
| BBVA Stadium | Houston | TX | 2013, 2015, 2017 |
| Children's Mercy Park | Kansas City | KS | 2011, 2015 |
| FirstEnergy Stadium | Cleveland | OH | 2017 |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia | PA | 2009, 2015, 2017 |
| Nissan Stadium | Nashville | TN | 2017 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | TX | 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 |
| Red Bull Arena | Harrison | NJ | 2011, 2013, 2017 |
| Rose Bowl | Pasadena | CA | 1991, 2002, 2011, 2013, 2017 |
| Soldier Field | Chicago | IL | 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 |
| Broncos Stadium at Mile High | Denver | CO | 2013, 2017 |
| Toyota Stadium | Frisco | TX | 2015, 2017 |
| State Farm Stadium | Glendale | AZ | 2009, 2015, 2017 |
Costa Rica
Costa Rica served as a co-host for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, marking the first time matches were held in Central America for the tournament. The Estadio Nacional in San José was selected as the sole venue in the country, hosting a Group B doubleheader on June 16, 2019. This decision expanded the event's regional footprint, with Costa Rica's participation as both host and competitor in the group.[12] The Estadio Nacional, affectionately known as "La Joya" (The Jewel) of La Sabana Metropolitan Park, was inaugurated on March 26, 2011, replacing the original National Stadium. Constructed at a cost of approximately $100 million with funding and expertise from China, the venue features a capacity of 35,175 seats and modern amenities including VIP lounges, press facilities, and a natural grass pitch measuring 105 by 68 meters. Owned by the Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (ICODER), it serves as the primary home for the Costa Rica national team and has previously hosted major events such as the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final.[17][12] On June 16, the stadium welcomed Haiti versus Bermuda at 4:00 p.m. local time, followed by Costa Rica versus Nicaragua at 6:00 p.m., both in Group B. These matches drew significant local interest, with Costa Rica securing a 4-0 victory in their opener, highlighted by goals from players including Francisco Calvo and Joel Campbell. Tickets for the doubleheader went on sale December 7, 2018, through official channels, underscoring the event's importance in promoting soccer across the region.[12][18]Jamaica
Jamaica co-hosted the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, becoming the first Caribbean nation to host matches in the tournament's history. The National Stadium in Kingston, officially part of Independence Park, served as the sole venue in the country. Opened in 1962, the stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000 and functions as the primary home ground for the Jamaica national football team, as well as hosting major athletic events including the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.[13][19][20] The stadium hosted a Group C doubleheader on June 17, 2019, marking the tournament's debut in the Caribbean. In the opener, host nation Jamaica secured a 3–2 victory over Honduras, with Dever Orgill scoring twice in the first half and Michail Antonio adding a third early in the second, while Romell Quioto and Alberth Elis replied for the visitors. The match drew an attendance of 17,874, creating an electric atmosphere that boosted the Reggae Boyz's performance.[21][22] The evening fixture featured El Salvador defeating Curaçao 1–0, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Nelson Bonilla in the first half, which proved decisive in the tightly contested affair. Attendance for this match was 13,042, with the crowd largely supporting the Salvadorans.[23][24] This historic hosting underscored CONCACAF's efforts to expand the Gold Cup's reach across the region, fostering greater fan engagement and development in Caribbean football infrastructure.[2]Qualification
Criteria
The qualification for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup provided 16 spots in total, with six teams receiving automatic berths and the remaining ten determined through a dedicated qualifying tournament.[25] The automatic qualifiers were the six national teams that advanced to the final round (known as the Hexagonal) of CONCACAF's qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup: Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. This criterion rewarded consistent performance in the confederation's premier qualification pathway, ensuring the participation of regional powerhouses.[25][26] The ten additional spots were allocated via the one-off qualifying round for the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League, contested from September 2018 to March 2019 and involving 34 member associations excluded from automatic qualification. These teams were seeded into four pots based on FIFA rankings and paired for four matchdays, with each team playing two home matches and two away matches against opponents from the other pots to promote balanced competition.[27][28][29] All results from the 68 qualifying matches were aggregated into a single league table, where teams were ranked by points (three for a win, one for a draw), followed by goal difference, goals scored, and head-to-head results if needed. The top ten teams in this overall standings advanced to the Gold Cup, integrating qualification with the new Nations League structure while broadening participation across the confederation.[29][30][31]Qualified teams
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup expanded to 16 participating teams for the first time, up from 12 in previous editions, to include a broader representation of the confederation's member associations. Qualification was divided into two paths: automatic entry for the six teams that advanced to the final round (Hexagonal) of CONCACAF's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, and spots for the top 10 teams from the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League qualifying tournament (CNLQ), which consisted of 34 teams playing four matches each between September 2018 and March 2019.[26] The automatic qualifiers included established regional powers, all of whom had prior experience in the Gold Cup and recent World Cup qualifying contention. These teams secured their places by virtue of their performance in the Hexagonal, the confederation's premier qualifying stage for the 2018 World Cup.[32] The CNLQ served as both a pathway to the Gold Cup and a seeding mechanism for the inaugural 2019–20 CONCACAF Nations League, with the top six finishers advancing to League A and the next four to League B. This process introduced several debutants and underdogs to the Gold Cup, such as Bermuda and Guyana, marking their first appearances in the tournament. Haiti, Canada, and Martinique stood out by winning all four of their CNLQ matches, while the overall top 10 ensured a mix of Caribbean, Central American, and North American sides.[26][32][33]| Team | Qualification Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | Automatic (Hexagonal participant) | |
| Honduras | Automatic (Hexagonal participant) | |
| Mexico | Automatic (Hexagonal participant) | |
| Panama | Automatic (Hexagonal participant) | |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Automatic (Hexagonal participant) | |
| United States | Automatic (Hexagonal participant & defending champions) | Co-host |
| Haiti | CNLQ (1st place) | |
| Canada | CNLQ (2nd place) | |
| Martinique | CNLQ (3rd place) | |
| Curaçao | CNLQ (4th place) | |
| Bermuda | CNLQ (5th place) | Gold Cup debut |
| Cuba | CNLQ (6th place) | |
| Guyana | CNLQ (7th place) | Gold Cup debut |
| Jamaica | CNLQ (8th place) | Co-host |
| Nicaragua | CNLQ (9th place) | |
| El Salvador | CNLQ (10th place) |
Teams
Participating teams
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup featured an expanded field of 16 teams, up from 12 in the 2017 edition, drawing from CONCACAF's 41 member associations across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.[34] This increase aimed to broaden participation and competitiveness in the biennial championship. The teams were selected via a structured qualification pathway, with six nations automatically qualifying as participants in the final round (Hexagonal) of CONCACAF's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the remaining ten earning spots through a qualifying round linked to the inaugural 2019 CONCACAF Nations League, which involved 68 matches across multiple dates to determine rankings based on points, goal difference, and tiebreakers.[34] The qualified teams are listed below, categorized by qualification method:| Team | Qualification Method |
|---|---|
| Costa Rica | 2018 FIFA World Cup final round (Hexagonal) |
| Honduras | 2018 FIFA World Cup final round (Hexagonal) |
| Mexico | 2018 FIFA World Cup final round (Hexagonal) |
| Panama | 2018 FIFA World Cup final round (Hexagonal) |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 2018 FIFA World Cup final round (Hexagonal) |
| United States | 2018 FIFA World Cup final round (Hexagonal) |
| Bermuda | 2019 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying round |
| Canada | 2019 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying round |
| Cuba | 2019 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying round |
| Curaçao | 2019 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying round |
| El Salvador | 2019 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying round |
| Guyana | 2019 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying round |
| Haiti | 2019 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying round |
| Jamaica | 2019 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying round |
| Martinique | 2019 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying round |
| Nicaragua | 2019 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying round |
Squads
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup featured squads of 23 players from each of the 16 participating nations, with a minimum of three goalkeepers per team as mandated by tournament rules. Rosters were finalized and submitted to CONCACAF by early June 2019, blending experienced veterans with emerging talents across the confederation.[35] Canada, coached by John Herdman, fielded a squad emphasizing midfield creativity, highlighted by Mark-Anthony Kaye of LAFC as a key orchestrator; the roster included only six defenders to test depth in a transitional phase for the team.[35] Mexico, under new manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino, relied on defensive solidity with Edson Álvarez serving as a versatile center-back and midfielder; notable absences included Hirving Lozano and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández due to injuries, prompting a more balanced lineup.[35] Martinique, led by Mario Bocaly, centered its attack around veteran striker Kevin Parsemain, who brought experience from strong Nations League qualifying performances (4 wins, 0 losses); the squad aimed to leverage counter-attacking prowess despite limited international depth.[35] Cuba, managed by Raúl Mederos, featured young forward Luis Paradela (22 years old, 5 goals in 6 caps) as a breakout prospect, though the team faced challenges against faster opponents due to defensive vulnerabilities.[35] Costa Rica, coached by Gustavo Matosas, assembled a youthful, attack-oriented group with midfielder Randall Leal from Saprissa as a standout; the roster prioritized pace and creativity to rebuild after recent inconsistencies.[35] Haiti, directed by Marc Collant, depended on goalkeeper Johnny Placide for stability in goal, enabling a counter-attacking style that proved dangerous in qualifiers; the squad balanced experience with emerging speed on the wings.[35] Bermuda, helmed by Kyle Lightbourne in its first major tournament appearance, starred forward Nahki Wells (7 goals in 11 international caps from Burnley), providing Premier League quality to an otherwise inexperienced roster.[35] Nicaragua, under Henry Duarte, highlighted midfielder René Rodríguez for his vision, but the squad grappled with defensive frailties exposed in pre-tournament friendlies.[35] Jamaica, coached by Theodore Whitmore, boasted a settled young core including 20-year-old defender Peter-Lee Vassell from LAFC, building on recent CONCACAF success with a focus on physicality and speed.[35] Honduras, managed by Fabián Coito, leaned on forward Alberth Elis for goals despite poor pre-tournament form (winless in last five matches); the roster mixed Catrachos veterans with hopes for redemption.[35] El Salvador, led by Carlos de los Cobos, rode a five-game win streak into the tournament, anchored by center-back Roberto Domínguez for defensive organization.[35] Curaçao, coached by Remko Bicentini, featured midfielder Leandro Bacuna (Aston Villa) as a creative hub, buoyed by a recent King's Cup victory that boosted confidence.[35] United States, under Gregg Berhalter in his debut major tournament, implemented a new tactical system with veteran midfielder Michael Bradley providing leadership; the 23-player roster included 13 Gold Cup debutants such as Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, blending MLS and European talent.[35][36] Panama, directed by Julio Dely Valdés, relied on winger Alberto Quintero for width, though the squad struggled with low offensive output in qualifiers (averaging under one goal per game).[35] Trinidad and Tobago, coached by Dennis Lawrence, centered on forward Kevin Molino (19 goals in 43 caps), addressing a low shot volume (under 10 per match) from recent outings.[35] Guyana, managed by Michael Johnson in its debut major tournament, highlighted forward Emery Welshman (7 goals in 9 caps), aiming to surprise with disciplined defending and quick transitions.[35]Seeding and draw
The seeding for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup was determined using the CONCACAF Ranking Index as of August 31, 2018, which evaluates senior men's national teams based on their performance in international matches over a four-year period.[37] The top four ranked teams were designated as seeds: Mexico (No. 1), the United States (No. 2), Costa Rica (No. 3), and Honduras (No. 4).[37] These teams were pre-assigned to head the four groups to ensure geographic and competitive balance, with their positions also tied to specific venue assignments announced on October 9, 2018. Mexico was fixed in Group A at venues including the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California; Costa Rica in Group B, starting at a non-U.S. venue in Costa Rica; Honduras in Group C, beginning at a non-U.S. venue in Honduras; and the United States in Group D, with matches across U.S. stadiums like Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota.[38] The group stage draw for the remaining 12 qualified teams took place on April 10, 2019, at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California, attended by coaches, officials, and media.[2] These teams, comprising automatic qualifiers from the 2018 FIFA World Cup final round (Panama and Trinidad and Tobago) and those from the top 10 of the 2019–20 CONCACAF Nations League qualifying (Bermuda, Canada, Cuba, Curaçao, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, and Nicaragua), were randomly assigned to the groups without additional pots, subject to restrictions preventing multiple non-FIFA members in the same group and ensuring no more than one team from the same sub-region beyond the seeds.[7][2] The draw resulted in the following group compositions:| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Mexico (seed), Canada, Martinique, Cuba |
| B | Costa Rica (seed), Haiti, Bermuda, Nicaragua |
| C | Honduras (seed), Jamaica, El Salvador, Curaçao |
| D | United States (seed), Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana |
Refereeing
Match officials
CONCACAF announced the appointment of 48 match officials for the 2019 Gold Cup on May 17, 2019, following a selection process that included physical fitness tests and on-field assessments. The officials comprised referees, assistant referees, and assessors drawn primarily from CONCACAF's 41 member associations, with the list approved by the confederation's Referee Committee and reviewed by its Referee Technical Advisory Team, including participants in the Targeted Advanced Referee Program (TARP).[39][40] The match officials were headquartered in Dallas, Texas, during the tournament, enabling efficient travel to the 17 venues across the host countries of the United States, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. This logistical setup supported the 31 matches played from June 15 to July 7, 2019.[39] A notable aspect of the appointments was the inclusion of three officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under a Memorandum of Understanding between CONCACAF and the AFC, marking the first time non-CONCACAF referees participated in the Gold Cup. The invited trio consisted of referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim and assistant referees Taleb Al-Marri and Saoud Al-Maqaleh, all from Qatar.[39][41] The full roster of central referees and assistant referees is detailed below, as published in the official CONCACAF document. These officials handled duties across the group stage and knockout rounds, with assignments determined by the referee committee based on performance and match requirements.[40]Central Referees
| Name | Country |
|---|---|
| Juan Gabriel Calderón | CRC |
| Henry Bejarano | CRC |
| Yadel Martínez | CUB |
| Juan Carlos Mora | CRC |
| Mario Escobar | GUA |
| Helpys Feliz | DOM |
| Said Martínez | HON |
| Daneon Parchment | JAM |
| Adonai Escobedo | MEX |
| Christian Ramírez | HON |
| Fernando Guerrero | MEX |
| Marco Ortiz | MEX |
| Nicholas Anderson | JAM |
| John Pitti | PAN |
| Abdulrahman Al-Jassim | QAT |
| Ivan Barton | SLV |
| Henri Pupiro | NCA |
| Jair Marrufo | USA |
| Ismail Elfath | USA |
| Juan Francisco Zumba | SLV |
| Zachari Zeegelaar | SUR |
| Caleb Wales | TRI |
| Frank Anderson | USA |
| Corey Parker | USA |
| Keylor Herrera | CRC |
| Randy Encarnación | DOM |
| Reon Radix | GRN |
| Carlos Batres | GUA |
| Oliver Vergara | PAN |
| Victor Stewart | JAM |
Assistant Referees
| Name | Country |
|---|---|
| Micheal Barwegen | CAN |
| Kedlee Powell | CAY |
| William Arrieta | CRC |
| Walter López | GUA |
| Gerson López | GUA |
| Humberto Panjoj | GUA |
| Walter López | HON |
| Alberto Morín | MEX |
| Taleb Al-Marri | QAT |
| Saoud Al-Maqaleh | QAT |
| David Morán | SLV |
| Ian Anderson | USA |
| Kyle Atkins | USA |
| John Nielsen | CAN |
| Livingston Bailey | CAY |
| Ronald Gutiérrez | CRC |
| Oshane Nation | JAM |
| Diego Montaño | MEX |
| Dave Meikle | JAM |
| José Kellys | PAN |
| José Torres | PUR |
| Alex Prus | USA |
| Ismael Cornejo | SLV |
Video assistant referee
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup was conducted without the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, making it one of the last major international tournaments to forgo the system. CONCACAF officials cited a lack of training for referees as the primary reason for its absence, despite VAR being in use at other high-profile competitions like the 2018 FIFA World Cup.[43] This decision drew scrutiny, as the tournament's 31 matches across the United States, Costa Rica, and Jamaica relied solely on on-field officials without video review capabilities.[44] The lack of VAR contributed to several high-profile controversies, particularly in the knockout stages. In the quarter-final between Mexico and Costa Rica, which Mexico won 1–0 in a penalty shootout after a 0–0 draw, refereeing decisions—including the controversial penalty awarded to Costa Rica in the 50th minute for a foul on Joel Campbell, which television replays suggested may have occurred outside the penalty area—sparked debate, with Mexico coach Gerardo Martino later decrying the "bad" officiating and explicitly questioning the omission of VAR.[45] Similarly, during the group stage match between Jamaica and Panama, a penalty awarded to Jamaica for a foul on Michail Antonio went unreviewed, allowing Jamaica to secure a 1–0 victory that advanced them to the quarter-finals.[6] The most contentious incident occurred in the semi-final between Mexico and Haiti, where a penalty converted by Raúl Jiménez in the third minute of extra time propelled Mexico to a 1–0 win; critics argued the foul on Andrés Guardado may not have warranted the call, but without VAR, the decision stood unchallenged.[46] Post-tournament, the absence of VAR faced direct criticism from coaches, amplifying calls for its adoption in future CONCACAF events. United States head coach Gregg Berhalter, after his team's 1–0 final loss to Mexico, stated that VAR was "a necessity in today's modern game" and expressed frustration with CONCACAF's choice, noting it could have addressed potential errors in key moments.[47] Martino echoed similar sentiments earlier, highlighting how the technology's unavailability exacerbated refereeing inconsistencies.[48] These incidents underscored broader concerns about officiating accuracy in the confederation, paving the way for VAR's eventual integration in subsequent tournaments like the 2021 Gold Cup.[44]Group stage
Group A
Group A of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup featured Mexico, the defending champions and tournament favorites, alongside Canada, Martinique, and Cuba. The group stage matches took place between June 15 and June 23, 2019, at venues in Pasadena, California; Denver, Colorado; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Mexico dominated the group, winning all three encounters to finish first with nine points and a goal difference of +10, securing a direct path to the quarter-finals. Canada claimed second place with six points, advancing as runners-up after a strong offensive showing. Martinique earned three points for third position, while Cuba finished last without a point, conceding a tournament-high 17 goals.[49] The final standings were as follows:| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 3 | +10 | 9 | Quarter-finals |
| 2 | Canada | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 3 | +9 | 6 | |
| 3 | Martinique | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 3 | |
| 4 | Cuba | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 17 | −17 | 0 |
Group B
Group B of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup featured Costa Rica, Haiti, Bermuda, and Nicaragua, with matches hosted across the United States and Costa Rica.[4] The group stage ran from 16 to 24 June 2019, and Haiti advanced as winners with a perfect record, joined by runners-up Costa Rica in the quarter-finals; Bermuda claimed their first-ever tournament points, while Nicaragua exited without a victory.[4] The final standings were as follows:| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haiti | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 9 |
| 2 | Costa Rica | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 6 |
| 3 | Bermuda | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Nicaragua | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 | −10 | 0 |
Group C
Group C of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup featured Jamaica as co-hosts alongside El Salvador, Honduras, and Curaçao, with matches held from June 17 to 25 across venues in Jamaica, the United States, and the United States.[56] The group was marked by competitive play, including Curaçao's historic first Gold Cup victory and a dramatic late equalizer that secured their advancement. Jamaica topped the group with five points, advancing as winners, while Curaçao qualified as runners-up with four points; El Salvador and Honduras were eliminated despite both finishing on four and three points, respectively, due to goal difference.[56] The opening matches on June 17 saw El Salvador defeat Curaçao 1–0 at Independence Park in Kingston, Jamaica, with Nelson Bonilla scoring the lone goal in the 89th minute from a header off a corner kick, securing a crucial three points for the Central Americans in their group debut.[57] In the other fixture, host nation Jamaica edged Honduras 3–2 at the same venue before a crowd of 30,000, fueled by Dever Orgill's brace in the 14th and 40th minutes and Damion Lowe's winner in the 69th; Honduras responded through Anthony Lozano in the 53rd and Alberth Elis in the 64th, but the Reggae Boyz held on for the victory. On matchday two, June 21, El Salvador and Jamaica played out a tense 0–0 draw at BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas, attended by 22,026 fans, as both teams prioritized defensive solidity with limited scoring chances; Jamaica's Andre Blake made key saves, while El Salvador's Henry Hernández was equally solid.[58] Curaçao claimed their first-ever Gold Cup win, beating Honduras 1–0 at the same stadium, thanks to Leandro Bacuna's 30th-minute strike from outside the box, a result that boosted the Caribbean side's qualification hopes and eliminated Honduras from contention pending later results.[59] The final matchday on June 25 delivered high drama. Jamaica drew 1–1 with Curaçao at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, where Shamar Nicholson gave the hosts a 14th-minute lead via a finish from Andre Lewis's assist, only for Jurien Gaari to equalize with a stunning 30-yard volley in stoppage time (90+3'), securing Curaçao's advancement on goal difference over El Salvador.[60] Concurrently, Honduras routed El Salvador 4–0 at the same venue, with goals from Jorge Álvarez (45+1'), Rubilio Castillo (58'), Bryan Acosta (69'), and Romell Quioto (87'), a result that avenged their earlier losses but came too late to salvage their tournament.[61]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamaica | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 5 |
| 2 | Curaçao | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | El Salvador | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 4 |
| 4 | Honduras | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 3 |
Group D
Group D of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup featured the defending champions United States, alongside Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.[63] The group matches were played between June 18 and June 26, 2019, across venues in Saint Paul, Minnesota; Cleveland, Ohio; and Kansas City, Kansas. The top two teams advanced to the knockout stage, where the United States topped the group undefeated and faced Curaçao, while Panama finished second and met Jamaica.[4] The group opened on June 18 at Allianz Field in Saint Paul with Panama defeating Trinidad and Tobago 2–0, thanks to goals from Armando Cooper (53') and Édgar Bárcenas (87'). Later that evening, the United States secured a 4–0 victory over Guyana, with strikes from Paul Arriola (28'), Tyler Boyd (51', 82'), and Gyasi Zardes (55') highlighting the U.S. attack.[4][64] On June 22 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Panama secured a 4–2 win against Guyana, with goals from Abdiel Arroyo (16'), an own goal by Terence Vancooten (39'), Érick Davis (pen. 50'), and Gabriel Torres (86'); Guyana responded through Neil Danns (pen. 32', pen. 90+4'). The United States followed with a dominant 6–0 rout of Trinidad and Tobago, featuring two goals each from Aaron Long (17', 45+1') and Zardes (66', 90+1'), plus strikes from Paul Arriola (74') and Christian Pulisic (89').[4][65] The final matchday on June 26 at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City saw Trinidad and Tobago draw 1–1 with Guyana, as Neil Danns scored for Guyana in the 54th minute before Kevin Molino equalized for Trinidad and Tobago in the 80th. Concurrently, the United States clinched first place with a 1–0 win over Panama, courtesy of a 57th-minute goal by Pulisic, maintaining their clean sheet throughout the group stage.[4][66]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | +11 | 9 | Quarter-finals |
| 2 | Panama | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 6 | Quarter-finals |
| 3 | Guyana | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 9 | −6 | 1 | |
| 4 | Trinidad and Tobago | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | −8 | 1 |
Knockout stage
Bracket
The knockout stage of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup featured a single-elimination bracket with the top two teams from each of the four groups advancing to the quarter-finals. The quarter-final matchups were determined by the group stage standings, with Group A winners facing Group B runners-up, Group B winners facing Group A runners-up, and similarly for Groups C and D. All matches used a knockout format, with ties resolved by extra time and penalty shootouts if necessary. There was no third-place match.[4] The bracket proceeded as follows:| Quarter-finals | Semi-finals | Final |
|---|---|---|
| 29 June – NRG Stadium, Houston Haiti 3–2 Canada[4] | 2 July – State Farm Stadium, Glendale Haiti 0–1 (a.e.t.) Mexico[4] | 7 July – Soldier Field, Chicago Mexico 1–0 United States[4] |
| 29 June – NRG Stadium, Houston Mexico 1–1 (5–4 p) Costa Rica[4] | ||
| 30 June – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Jamaica 1–0 Panama[4] | 3 July – Nissan Stadium, Nashville United States 3–1 Jamaica[4] | |
| 30 June – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia United States 1–0 Curaçao[4] |
Quarter-finals
The quarter-finals of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup took place over two days, June 29 and 30, featuring the top two teams from each group stage pool advancing to single-elimination matches hosted at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, and Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[4] The format required a winner within 90 minutes or extra time, with penalty shootouts to decide ties, determining the four semifinalists.| Date | Match | Score | Venue | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 29 | Haiti vs. Canada | 3–2 | NRG Stadium, Houston | 70,788 |
| June 29 | Mexico vs. Costa Rica | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (5–4 p) | NRG Stadium, Houston | 70,788 |
| June 30 | Jamaica vs. Panama | 1–0 | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | 26,233 |
| June 30 | United States vs. Curaçao | 1–0 | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | 26,233 |
Semi-finals
The semi-finals of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup were played on July 2 and 3, 2019, determining the finalists for the tournament hosted primarily in the United States. Mexico faced Haiti at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, while the United States met Jamaica at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Both matches featured dramatic moments, including extra time in one and a weather delay in the other, with Mexico and the United States advancing to the final.[4]Haiti vs. Mexico
On July 2, 2019, Haiti challenged Mexico in the first semi-final at State Farm Stadium, drawing a record crowd of 64,128 for a CONCACAF Gold Cup match.[77] The game, refereed by Abdulrahman Al-Jassim of Qatar, ended 0–1 after extra time, with Mexico progressing despite Haiti's resilient performance.[78] Mexico dominated possession but struggled to convert chances, including a header from Raúl Jiménez saved by Haiti's goalkeeper Johny Placide in the 35th minute and a free kick from Andrés Guardado denied in the 66th.[79] Haiti created threats on the counter, with Frantzdy Pierrot missing a shot in the 49th minute and Mikael Cantave striking the crossbar in the 119th.[79] The decisive moment came in the 93rd minute when Jiménez was fouled by Herve Bazile inside the penalty area, leading to a penalty kick that Jiménez converted for his fourth goal of the tournament.[80] This ended Haiti's historic run to the semi-finals, where they had upset Canada and Costa Rica earlier. Mexico's victory marked their eighth appearance in the Gold Cup final.[4]United States vs. Jamaica
The second semi-final on July 3, 2019, pitted the defending champions United States against Jamaica at Nissan Stadium before 28,473 spectators.[81] Refereed by Ivan Barton of El Salvador, the match concluded 3–1 in favor of the United States after an 88-minute weather delay halted play in the 28th minute of the first half.[82] The U.S. took the lead in the 9th minute through Weston McKennie, assisted by Jozy Altidore, and held a 1–0 advantage at halftime.[82] Jamaica equalized in the 69th minute via Shamar Nicholson, assisted by Leon Bailey, ending the U.S. team's tournament shutout streak at 483 minutes.[83] Christian Pulisic then scored twice in the second half, in the 52nd and 87th minutes, securing the win and advancing the U.S. to their record 11th Gold Cup final.[82] Pulisic's brace earned him man-of-the-match honors, highlighting the U.S. team's resilience amid humid conditions and the delay.[82] This result set up a highly anticipated final rematch against Mexico on July 7.[4]| Match | Date | Venue | Score | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haiti 0–1 Mexico (a.e.t.) | July 2, 2019 | State Farm Stadium, Glendale | Raúl Jiménez 93' (pen.) | 64,128[77] |
| Jamaica 1–3 United States | July 3, 2019 | Nissan Stadium, Nashville | Shamar Nicholson 69' Weston McKennie 9' Christian Pulisic 52', 87' | 28,473[81] |
Final
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final was contested on July 7, 2019, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, between Mexico and the United States, marking the sixth time these rivals had met in a Gold Cup final.[84] Mexico entered seeking their eighth title and first since 2015, while the U.S. aimed for a record seventh championship following their semifinal victory over Jamaica.[5] The match drew a sellout crowd of 62,493 spectators, reflecting the intense rivalry and the event's significance in North American soccer.[85] The game was a tightly contested affair characterized by physical play and limited scoring chances, with Mexico controlling 57% possession and outshooting the U.S. 20-11.[86] The United States started strongly, nearly taking the lead in the 5th minute when Christian Pulisic's shot was saved by Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, followed by Jozy Altidore's effort going wide shortly after.[84] Mexico responded in the second half, with Jordan Morris' header cleared off the line by Andrés Guardado in the 51st minute, and Raúl Jiménez missing a close-range opportunity in the 67th.[5] The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Jonathan dos Santos scored the only goal of the match, a left-footed strike from outside the box assisted by Jiménez, curling into the top corner past U.S. goalkeeper Zack Steffen.[84] Mexico held firm defensively thereafter, securing a 1-0 victory and their record-extending eighth Gold Cup title, with Gerardo Martino's side completing an undefeated tournament run.[87] The win extended Mexico's dominance in head-to-head Gold Cup finals against the U.S., now 5-1, and provided a morale boost ahead of regional competitions.[85]Results and statistics
Match summary
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage, held from June 15 to 26, featured 16 teams divided into four groups of four, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout rounds. Mexico dominated Group A with a perfect record, scoring 13 goals across three matches, while Haiti topped Group B on goal difference after a dramatic final-day win over Costa Rica. In Group C, Jamaica and Curaçao advanced amid upsets, including Curaçao's historic first-ever Gold Cup victory over Honduras. The United States led Group D convincingly, remaining unbeaten and outscoring opponents 11–0. These results set the stage for competitive quarterfinals, where underdogs like Haiti eliminated Canada in a high-scoring affair.[49][4] The knockout stage began on June 29 with four quarterfinal matches, two of which required extra time or penalties to decide the winners. Mexico advanced past Costa Rica via a 5–4 penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw, showcasing defensive resilience. Haiti continued their surprise run with a 3–2 victory over Canada, highlighted by late goals that propelled them to the semifinals. Jamaica edged Panama 1–0 on a penalty kick goal from Darren Mattocks, and the United States secured a 1–0 win against Curaçao, advancing with strong defensive play, though conceding in the semifinal. The semifinals on July 2 and 3 saw Mexico defeat Haiti 1–0 in extra time on a stoppage-time penalty, while the United States overcame Jamaica 3–1 with two goals from Christian Pulisic. Mexico clinched the title in the July 7 final at Soldier Field, Chicago, beating the United States 1–0 on Jonathan dos Santos's second-half strike, marking their eighth Gold Cup triumph.[49][4]| Date | Stage | Match | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 | Group A | Canada – Martinique | 4–0 | Pasadena, California |
| June 15 | Group A | Mexico – Cuba | 7–0 | Pasadena, California |
| June 16 | Group B | Haiti – Bermuda | 2–1 | San José, Costa Rica |
| June 16 | Group B | Costa Rica – Nicaragua | 4–0 | San José, Costa Rica |
| June 17 | Group C | Curaçao – El Salvador | 0–1 | Kingston, Jamaica |
| June 17 | Group C | Jamaica – Honduras | 3–2 | Kingston, Jamaica |
| June 18 | Group D | Panama – Trinidad and Tobago | 2–0 | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| June 18 | Group D | United States – Guyana | 4–0 | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| June 19 | Group A | Cuba – Martinique | 0–3 | Denver, Colorado |
| June 19 | Group A | Mexico – Canada | 3–1 | Denver, Colorado |
| June 20 | Group B | Nicaragua – Haiti | 0–2 | Frisco, Texas |
| June 20 | Group B | Costa Rica – Bermuda | 2–1 | Frisco, Texas |
| June 21 | Group C | El Salvador – Jamaica | 0–0 | Houston, Texas |
| June 21 | Group C | Honduras – Curaçao | 0–1 | Houston, Texas |
| June 22 | Group D | Guyana – Panama | 2–4 | Cleveland, Ohio |
| June 22 | Group D | United States – Trinidad and Tobago | 6–0 | Cleveland, Ohio |
| June 23 | Group A | Canada – Cuba | 7–0 | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| June 23 | Group A | Martinique – Mexico | 2–3 | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| June 24 | Group B | Bermuda – Nicaragua | 2–0 | Harrison, New Jersey |
| June 24 | Group B | Haiti – Costa Rica | 2–1 | Harrison, New Jersey |
| June 25 | Group C | Jamaica – Curaçao | 1–1 | Los Angeles, California |
| June 25 | Group C | Honduras – El Salvador | 4–0 | Los Angeles, California |
| June 26 | Group D | Trinidad and Tobago – Guyana | 1–1 | Kansas City, Kansas |
| June 26 | Group D | Panama – United States | 0–1 | Kansas City, Kansas |
| June 29 | Quarterfinals | Haiti – Canada | 3–2 | Houston, Texas |
| June 29 | Quarterfinals | Mexico – Costa Rica | 1–1 (5–4 pen.) | Houston, Texas |
| June 30 | Quarterfinals | Jamaica – Panama | 1–0 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| June 30 | Quarterfinals | United States – Curaçao | 1–0 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| July 2 | Semifinals | Haiti – Mexico | 0–1 (a.e.t.) | Glendale, Arizona |
| July 3 | Semifinals | United States – Jamaica | 3–1 | Nashville, Tennessee |
| July 7 | Final | Mexico – United States | 1–0 | Chicago, Illinois |
Goalscorers
Jonathan David of Canada was the top scorer of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup with six goals, earning him the Golden Boot award.[88] His goals included a hat-trick in Canada's 7–0 victory over Cuba during the group stage and further strikes in the knockout rounds against Haiti and Mexico.[89] Two players tied for second place with five goals each: Lucas Cavallini, also of Canada, who netted a hat-trick against Cuba and additional goals against Martinique and Haiti; and Raúl Jiménez of Mexico, who scored crucial goals in group stage wins over Cuba, Canada, and Martinique, as well as in the semifinal against Haiti.[90] Uriel Antuna of Mexico finished fourth with four goals, including a brace against Martinique.[90] Several players recorded three goals, contributing to the tournament's total of 96 goals across 31 matches, an average of 3.1 goals per game. Notable among them were Junior Hoilett (Canada), who scored twice against Cuba and once versus Martinique; Gyasi Zardes (United States), with goals in matches against Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago; and Duckens Nazon (Haiti), who tallied in wins over Bermuda, Costa Rica, and Canada.[90][88] The following table summarizes the top goalscorers:| Rank | Player | Team | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan David | Canada | 6 |
| 2 | Lucas Cavallini | Canada | 5 |
| 2 | Raúl Jiménez | Mexico | 5 |
| 4 | Uriel Antuna | Mexico | 4 |
Attendance and discipline
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup drew a total attendance of 980,675 spectators over its 31 matches, marking a strong turnout for the expanded 16-team tournament hosted across 17 stadiums in the United States, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. This figure represented an average of approximately 31,600 fans per match, with higher concentrations in later stages and rivalry games. The final at Soldier Field in Chicago, where Mexico defeated the United States 1–0, achieved a sell-out crowd of 62,493, the highest of the tournament and underscoring the appeal of the classic North American derby.[91][92] Discipline throughout the tournament was generally high, with the United States earning the Fair Play Award for accumulating the fewest disciplinary points based on yellow and red cards received. The award, presented by Degree, highlighted the team's sportsmanship amid intense competition. Notable incidents included direct red cards in matches such as Haiti vs. Mexico in the semi-finals, where Duckens Nazon was sent off, but overall, ejections remained limited, contributing to a focus on competitive yet controlled play.[93]Awards
Individual awards
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup featured several individual awards recognizing outstanding performances across the tournament, including the Golden Ball for the best player, the Golden Boot for the leading goalscorer, the Golden Glove for the top goalkeeper, and the Best Young Player Award. These honors were presented by CONCACAF at the conclusion of the final on July 7, 2019, highlighting key contributors from the competing nations.[94]| Award | Winner | Nation | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Ball (Best Player) | Raúl Jiménez | Mexico | Scored three goals and provided creative leadership in Mexico's title-winning campaign.[95] |
| Golden Boot (Top Goalscorer) | Jonathan David | Canada | Netting a tournament-high six goals, including a hat-trick against Cuba, to lead Canada to the quarterfinals.[96] |
| Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper) | Guillermo Ochoa | Mexico | Conceded just two goals in six matches, including a crucial penalty save in the quarterfinal shootout against Costa Rica.[97] |
| Best Young Player | Christian Pulisic | United States | At age 20, contributed three goals and three assists while captaining the U.S. to the final.[98] |
Best XI
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI, also known as the Team of the Tournament, was selected by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) to recognize the outstanding performers across the competition. Announced on July 8, 2019, following Mexico's 1-0 victory over the United States in the final, the team featured seven players from Mexico—the tournament winners—three from the United States, and one from Canada, reflecting the dominance of the finalists and a strong group-stage contributor.[99][100] The selection emphasized defensive solidity, midfield control, and attacking flair, with Mexico's players forming the core. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) anchored the backline, earning praise for his crucial saves, including several in the final that preserved the clean sheet. The defense included right-back Luis Rodríguez (Mexico), center-backs Carlos Salcedo (Mexico) and Aaron Long (United States), and left-back Jesús Gallardo (Mexico); Long stood out as the only non-Mexican defender, contributing to the U.S. team's run to the final with his aerial prowess and goal-scoring threat from set pieces. In midfield, Andrés Guardado (Mexico) provided veteran leadership and precise passing, Jonathan dos Santos (Mexico) delivered the tournament-winning goal in the final, and Michael Bradley (United States) offered tireless energy in both defensive and transitional phases. Up front, Christian Pulisic (United States) dazzled with his dribbling and creativity, earning the Best Young Player award separately, while Raúl Jiménez (Mexico) added physical presence and finishing, and Jonathan David (Canada) topped the scoring charts with six goals to claim the Golden Boot.[99][101]| Position | Player | Country | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Guillermo Ochoa | Mexico | Key saves in final, tournament-high shutouts |
| DF | Luis Rodríguez | Mexico | Solid right-back play, assists in group stage |
| DF | Carlos Salcedo | Mexico | Dominant in air, scored in quarterfinal penalty shootout |
| DF | Aaron Long | United States | 3 goals, defensive stability for USMNT |
| DF | Jesús Gallardo | Mexico | Versatile left-back, strong defensive performances |
| MF | Andrés Guardado | Mexico | Captained Mexico, high pass accuracy |
| MF | Jonathan dos Santos | Mexico | Final goal, midfield engine |
| MF | Michael Bradley | United States | 90% pass completion, leadership in midfield |
| FW | Christian Pulisic | United States | 3 goals, 3 assists, Best Young Player |
| FW | Raúl Jiménez | Mexico | 3 goals, physical target man |
| FW | Jonathan David | Canada | Golden Boot (6 goals), breakout star |
Controversies
Semi-final decisions
In the semi-final match between Mexico and Haiti on July 2, 2019, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, a controversial penalty decision in extra time determined the outcome. Three minutes into the first period of extra time, Mexican forward Raúl Jiménez was adjudged to have been fouled by Haitian midfielder Hervé Bazile inside the penalty area, with referee Bakary Gassama awarding the spot kick despite Jiménez having his back to goal and minimal contact apparent on replays.[103][104] Jiménez converted the penalty to give Mexico a 1-0 lead, which held as the final score after extra time, eliminating Haiti and advancing Mexico to the final.[80] The decision drew widespread criticism for its perceived softness, exacerbated by the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the tournament, unlike in other major competitions that year.[46] Haiti's head coach Jean-Jacques Pierre labeled the penalty a "gift" to Mexico, arguing it unfairly ended his team's Cinderella run after they had held the defending champions scoreless through 90 minutes.[105] Mexican coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino, while benefiting from the call, publicly questioned CONCACAF's decision not to implement VAR for the Gold Cup, citing a similar contentious penalty in Mexico's quarter-final against Costa Rica and calling for improved officiating standards to match global norms.[46] Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide suggested the large pro-Mexico crowd of over 60,000 influenced Gassama, a Gambian referee, though no formal investigation into bias was announced by CONCACAF.[106] The incident fueled broader discussions on refereeing quality in CONCACAF tournaments, with analysts noting it as emblematic of inconsistent decisions throughout the 2019 Gold Cup, where 11 yellow cards were issued in the Costa Rica-Mexico quarter-final alone due to officiating frustrations. No disciplinary action was taken against the officials, and CONCACAF defended the call as consistent with FIFA laws, emphasizing the lack of VAR as a deliberate choice to maintain game flow.[79] In the other semi-final, the United States' 3-1 victory over Jamaica on July 3, 2019, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, proceeded without major referee controversies, though a lengthy lightning delay disrupted play.[107]Final incidents
During the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup final between Mexico and the United States at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 7, Mexican fans repeatedly chanted "puto," a homophobic slur directed at U.S. goalkeeper Zack Steffen whenever he prepared to take goal kicks.[108] The chant, which translates to a derogatory term for a male sex worker, was audible throughout the match in front of a crowd of 62,493, where Mexican supporters comprised an estimated 85% of attendees.[109] Despite prior FIFA fines against the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) for the same behavior—totaling 11 instances during 2018 World Cup qualifiers—and CONCACAF's public address warnings during the tournament, no pauses in play or ejections occurred.[109] Critics, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, condemned CONCACAF and the FMF for ineffective enforcement measures, such as a largely ignored "educational" campaign aimed at curbing the slur.[110] Post-match tensions escalated among fans away from the stadium, culminating in a large brawl at Ojos Locos Sports Cantina in San Antonio, Texas, around 10:30 p.m. local time.[111] The altercation, involving dozens of patrons watching the game, featured multiple simultaneous fights with punches thrown, screams, breaking glass, and security personnel intervening to eject participants.[111] No serious injuries were reported, and the San Antonio Police Department, along with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, launched an investigation into potential violations, including the possibility of fines or license suspension for the venue.[111] The incident highlighted heightened rivalries between U.S. and Mexican supporters following Mexico's 1-0 victory.Marketing
Sponsorship
The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup featured a roster of official sponsors that supported the tournament through marketing partnerships, digital activations, and fan engagement initiatives across its 16-team format primarily hosted in the United States, with group stage matches also held in Jamaica and Costa Rica. These partnerships helped amplify the event's reach, with sponsors leveraging the biennial competition to connect with North American soccer audiences. The official sponsors were Allstate Insurance Company, Camarena Tequila, Cerveza Modelo, Nike, Scotiabank, Sprint, Toyota, and Valvoline.[112] Several sponsors focused on digital and experiential content to enhance viewer interaction. Camarena Tequila, as the official tequila partner, produced the "Match Highlights presented by Camarena Tequila" series and maintained a prominent presence at pre-game events, including co-branded merchandise in retail and hospitality settings.[113] Valvoline introduced the "High Mileage Stats of the Game Presented by Valvoline" digital platform, offering in-depth match analytics, while partnering with O'Reilly Auto Parts for broader retail promotions and activations at the Fútbol Fiesta pre-game celebrations in all 15 host markets.[112] Toyota, a returning sponsor, presented the overall Fútbol Fiesta series, providing fan zones with entertainment, food, and music ahead of matches.[113] Other partners emphasized community and brand integration. Allstate Insurance Company, a long-term CONCACAF collaborator, launched the "Day for Play" initiative in tournament host cities, organizing youth soccer clinics and events to promote physical activity and good neighborliness.[114] Nike served as the official apparel and footwear provider, outfitting teams and officials while integrating its branding into stadium visuals and merchandise. Cerveza Modelo and Scotiabank, core CONCACAF sponsors, activated through stadium signage, promotions, and targeted advertising to engage Hispanic and regional audiences. Sprint focused on connectivity enhancements for fans, including mobile data promotions at venues.[115]Broadcasting rights
In the United States, FOX Sports held the exclusive English-language broadcasting rights for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, airing all 31 matches across FS1 (26 games) and FS2 (5 games), with additional coverage on Fox Deportes for select matches.[116][117] Univision Communications secured the Spanish-language rights, broadcasting the entire tournament on Univision (16 games), UniMás (10 games), and Univision Deportes Network (UDN, 5 games), complemented by radio coverage on the Fútbol de Primera network.[118] Streaming options included fuboTV and ESPN+ for English viewers, and Univision NOW for Spanish audiences.[116] In Mexico, Televisa and TV Azteca shared the rights, with Televisa airing matches on Canal 5, Azteca 7, and TDN, while Sky Sports provided pay-TV coverage.[119] Streaming was available via TelevisaDeportes.com and Bluel To Go Video Everywhere.[120] Canada's English-language broadcasts were handled by TSN and CTV, with French-language coverage on RDS, and streaming through TSN GO, CTV GO, and RDS GO.[120][119] Across Central America and the Caribbean, rights were distributed regionally: Repretel, Teletica, and Tigo Sports in Costa Rica; RPC and TVMax in Panama; TVC in Honduras; and Telecorporación Salvadoreña in El Salvador.[120][119] Internationally, DAZN acquired exclusive streaming rights in several markets, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Brazil.[121] The tournament's global reach was supported by CONCACAF's partnership with Host Broadcast Services for production and distribution.[122]| Country/Region | Broadcaster (Language) | Platform Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | FOX Sports (English), Univision (Spanish) | FS1/FS2, Univision/UniMás/UDN; streaming on fuboTV, ESPN+ |
| Mexico | Televisa, TV Azteca (Spanish) | Canal 5, Azteca 7, TDN, Sky Sports; streaming on TelevisaDeportes.com |
| Canada | TSN/CTV (English), RDS (French) | Linear TV and streaming via GO apps |
| Costa Rica | Repretel, Teletica, Tigo Sports (Spanish) | Linear TV |
| Panama | RPC, TVMax (Spanish) | Linear TV |
| Germany/Austria/Switzerland/Brazil | DAZN | Exclusive streaming |