LOS ANGELES, June 14, 2025 — The 18th edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony and a high-stakes match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The tournament, featuring 16 national teams from North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and guest nation Saudi Arabia, will span from June 14 to July 6 across 14 stadiums in the United States and Canada.
A Grand Opening at SoFi Stadium
The festivities began with a dynamic opening ceremony celebrating Latin culture and music. Puerto Rican artist Luis Fonsi performed “Tocando el Cielo,” the official anthem of the tournament, energizing the crowd ahead of the match between defending champions Mexico and tournament debutants the Dominican Republic.
SoFi Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue and future host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, provided a fitting backdrop for the kickoff. The stadium previously hosted the 2023 Gold Cup Final, where Mexico secured a 1-0 victory over Panama.
Mexico Begins Title Defense
Mexico, entering the tournament as both the reigning Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League champions, faced the Dominican Republic in the opening match. The team, led by coach Javier Aguirre, aims to secure a record-extending 10th Gold Cup title.
The Dominican Republic, making its first appearance in the Gold Cup, faced a formidable opponent in Mexico. Despite the challenge, the debutants viewed the match as an opportunity to gain valuable experience on the international stage.
Tournament Structure and Key Dates
The 2025 Gold Cup features 16 teams divided into four groups:
- Group A: Mexico, Costa Rica, Suriname, Dominican Republic
- Group B: Canada, Honduras, El Salvador, Curaçao
- Group C: Jamaica, Panama, Guatemala, Guadeloupe
- Group D: United States, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia
The group stage matches will take place from June 14 to June 24, followed by the quarterfinals on June 28 and 29, semifinals on July 2, and the final on July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
United States Faces Group D Challenges
The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) begins its campaign on June 15 against Trinidad and Tobago at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Subsequent matches include facing Saudi Arabia on June 19 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, and Haiti on June 22 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The USMNT, seeking redemption after recent underwhelming performances, aims to secure its eighth Gold Cup title.
Political Climate Casts a Shadow
The tournament’s kickoff occurs amid heightened political tensions in the United States. Recent immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles led to widespread protests and raised concerns about the safety of players and fans. The Mexican national team relocated to a different hotel due to security concerns.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged U.S. authorities to refrain from conducting immigration enforcement actions during public events, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup unfolds, fans can anticipate a month of competitive matches showcasing the region’s top soccer talent. The tournament not only serves as a platform for regional supremacy but also provides teams with crucial preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.