The group stage dust has settled, and the highly anticipated knockout round bracket for the Concacaf Gold Cup is now officially confirmed. Eight teams have navigated the initial hurdles and are set to embark on the crucial single-elimination path towards the ultimate prize: regional footballing glory.
This phase of the tournament features a mix of familiar powerhouses and compelling dark horses. Leading the charge are the group winners – the U.S. Men`s National Team, Mexico, Canada, and Panama, all of whom are also major players in the upcoming 2026 World Cup hosting duties. They are joined by traditional contenders like three-time Gold Cup champions Costa Rica and guest participants Saudi Arabia. Adding intrigue to the final eight are two notable squads: Honduras, making their return to this stage after the 2021 edition, and Guatemala, who have impressively reached the knockouts for the second consecutive tournament following a significant 12-year absence before 2023. Their presence underscores the growing competitiveness across the confederation.
The stakes are now at their highest. Teams must win or go home, with every match potentially defining their tournament legacy. The quarterfinals are strategically scheduled across two days in two distinct locations, setting the stage for intense doubleheaders. The victors will then progress to the semifinals, aiming to secure one of the two coveted spots in the grand final.
Gold Cup Knockout Stage Schedule Overview
Here is a detailed look at the confirmed schedule for the knockout phase, with all times listed in U.S. Eastern Time:
Quarterfinals
Matches will be played in the Phoenix suburbs (StateFarm Stadium) and Minneapolis (U.S. Bank Stadium).
- Saturday, June 28
- Panama vs. Honduras, 7:15 p.m.
- Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia, 10:15 p.m.
- Sunday, June 29
- Canada vs. Guatemala, 4:00 p.m.
- USMNT vs. Costa Rica, 7:00 p.m.
Semifinals
Scheduled for Wednesday, July 2nd.
- Winner of Quarterfinal 4 (USMNT/Costa Rica) vs. Winner of Quarterfinal 3 (Canada/Guatemala), 7:00 p.m.
- Winner of Quarterfinal 2 (Mexico/Saudi Arabia) vs. Winner of Quarterfinal 1 (Panama/Honduras), 10:00 p.m.
Final
The Championship match will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
- Sunday, July 6
- Winner of Semifinal 1 vs. Winner of Semifinal 2, 7:00 p.m.
As the tournament progresses, expect fierce competition and dramatic moments. The path to lifting the Gold Cup is clear, but only two teams will ultimately reach the final stage in Houston. Football enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling conclusion to the confederation`s premier national team competition.
