The 2023 Gold Cup is moving through the second matchday across the four groups, which means teams could start securing spots in the knockout round. The final position for these teams is still to be determined, but they will be participating in the knockout round.
We’re tracking every team that has made the knockout bracket here.
Mexico
It had been a rough go for Mexico in the last few CONCACAF competitions, not to mention the failure at the 2022 World Cup by not making the knockout round. However, this group has clicked beautifully through two games and is the first to make the knockout stage. It would be an overreaction to suggest Mexico are completely back to being the dominant force in CONCACAF after two group games in the Gold Cup against subpar competition but these have been impressive victories for a side which has recently struggled to find the back of the net in international play.
Panama
Two wins in two matches means the Central American squad is into the knockout round. Jose Fajardo has found the back of the net once in each contest, while Panama’s defense remains stout. There’s a path for a deep run here, since Panama wouldn’t play USA or Mexico until the final. We’ll see if this group can keep up its strong play in the final group stage game.
USA
The Americans nearly lost to Jamaica in the opening game but dominated St. Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago with identical 6-0 victories to top the group. Jesus Ferreira has emerged as the star for this group with back-to-back hat-tricks for the Americans. The biggest accomplishment for USA is avoiding the side of the bracket with an in-form Mexico team. There’s a chance the two sides meet up in the final.
Jamaica
Jamaica could’ve let a draw in the first game hurt their morale, but they came back with convincing victories in the final two matches. They finish second in the group due to goal differential. This is a group that is finding form at the right time and will be a tough out in the knockout stage. Demarai Gray is the player to watch for this team.
Qatar
Eventually, Qatar’s luck in this competition was going to turn. After giving up goals in stoppage time in each of the first two games to come away with just one combined point, Qatar’s lone shot in the game against Mexico was enough to get three points. Mexico reverted to a familiar script against lesser opponents, dominating in every key statistic except for the most important one. We’ll see if Qatar can play a more complete game in the knockout stage.
Guatemala
Guatemala were in danger of losing out on a knockout spot after falling behind 2-1 to Guadeloupe, but two goals in a span of five minutes gave the Central American side the win. Guatemala were actually doubled up on total shots in this final match, but the defensive resilience was impressive and it led to a quarterfinal match against Jamaica.
Canada
After looking out of sorts in two draws to begin group play, Canada finally came to the party and dominated Cuba 4-2. There were a few reckless plays defensively which led to Cuba’s two goals on penalty kicks, but this was a strong effort from the Canadians after struggling in the first two matches. Up next is USA in the quarterfinal round.
Costa Rica
It took two matches but Costa Rica’s offense finally broke out and took advantage of a weak Martinique defense. The Central American side did get some help with an own goal but this was a solid performance after two lackluster showings, although there was some sloppiness at the end to allow Martinique to get a few more goals. Costa Rica will face Mexico in the quarterfinal round.