GOAL takes a look at the tiers of teams in the 2025 Gold Cup, asking who's here to win it, and who's just filling out the numbers?
The CONCACAF Gold Cup is a difficult thing to figure out. It doesn't have the prestige of the Copa America, World Cup or European Championship. It might not even matter as much as the CONCACAF Nations League nowadays. But it still counts for something.
This is a competition with a rich history, that the United States, in particular, has typically used as a measuring stick against the rest of CONCACAF. Win the Gold Cup, and you have a chance to make some noise at the next World Cup.
It turns out, though, that there are more than just two teams that matter this year. There will be 16 competitors at venues across the U.S. this summer, featuring a surprisingly deep talent pool and plenty of storylines to follow.
The main questions surround who will show up? Will the U.S. and Mexico go full strength? Will Canada, suddenly competitors, do the same? Are the smaller nations getting stronger? And with the event running simultaneous to the Club World Cup in the U.S., how will rosters be built?
The U.S., Canada and Mexico are the presumptive trio of favorites. That leaves 13 other teams. So who's here to win it? Who's in the spotlight? Who's going to bring the fun – and the best kits? GOAL US breaks it all down in the 2025 Gold Cup Tier Rankings.
ImagnTier: The Favorites
Mexico – They're the team to beat now, especially given the USMNT's struggles at the Nations League finals in March. There's a renewed energy and verve around , who are getting the best out of Raul Jimenez. The presumptive return of Chucky Lozano should take their attack over the edge, too. They are also the reigning champions, and would love to cling on to it.
Canada – Jesse Marsch and Co. came close to beating Mexico in the Nations League semifinals, and outplayed the eventual winners for long stretches of the game. They had to settle for third, in the end, but still look a well-balanced team who will give anyone a game – even with captain and star man Alphonso Davies sidelined.
United States – Sure? A few months ago, you might have fancied the USMNT to steamroll the competition. Now, though, things look a bit uncertain. A disastrous Nations League left Mauricio Pochettino scrambling for answers, and there are questions as to how strong of a roster he'll field for the tournament. At full strength, the USMNT boast the most talent. But there are no guarantees that quality alone will be enough.
Panama – Surely they have to be considered competitors. After beating the USMNT rather comfortably in the semifinals they gave Mexico a good game in the Nations League final. They don't have the talent of the other three faves, but their ability to sit back and pounce on the break could be tailor-made for international football.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTier: The Outsiders
Jamaica – The Reggae Boyz always bring some good stuff. Coached, inexplicably, by Steve McClaren, but buoyed by the attacking quality of Leon Bailey and Demarai Gray, they have the pace and creativity to entertain – even if the defensive nous isn't there.
Honduras – They qualify for the Gold Cup routinely, and this time might just have a little more attacking firepower in Olympiacos' Luis Palma. They will certainly need a result or two to go their way, but have shown in the past that they can navigate CONCACAF competition.
Haiti – The heroes of the 2019 Gold Cup, Haiti have had significantly less luck since their memorable semifinal run six years ago. They have a decent squad, though, and if Inter Miami's Fafa Picault is fit, they will certainly have pace to rely on.
Costa Rica – The darlings of the 2014 World Cup, Costa Rican football hasn't quite hit those same heights since. But they might yet compete, with Alonso Martinez leading the line. Their World Cup Qualification performances – they are first in their group – have shown that they have the ability to compete at a higher level.
GettyTier: The Kit Awards
El Salvador – They've made it to 10 straight Gold Cups, but the appeal here is how they will look when they're arrive. The blue and white strips, made by Umbro, are absolutely gorgeous.
Suriname – Virgil Van Dijk, Edgar Davids, Sergino Dest, Ruud Guillet – legends new and old have come from Suriname. The issue is, most choose to play for other national teams. They've never had a problem looking good, though, with their kits routinely standing out.
Trinidad & Tobago – Leaves? On a football kit? Why not?
Guatemala – The world needs to acknowledge that the diagonal strip on a football kit is a true classic. Thankfully, Guatemala have embraced it.
GettyTier: Making Up The Numbers
Guadeloupe – They're not devoid of talent, but Guadeloupe have never been a footballing power. Still, the tiny nation has qualified for three straight Gold Cups, and has Jerome Rousillon, who plays in the German top flight.
Saudi Arabia – They were the team to beat Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, but Saudi football has rather struggled since then. More than anything, it is strange that they are here, playing in a tournament that is supposed to be for teams from Central and North America – even if Qatar did a similar thing in the run up to 2022.
Curacao – This will be their first appearance in six years, and they have never made it past the last eight. Former manager include Guus Hiddink and Patrick Kluivert, though, which counts for something.
Dominican Republic – They're here for the first time, and will be led by Mariano Diaz – a Real Madrid flop without a club who just scored hid first goal in over a year. Expectations will be low, but this is a fun story.
