The group stage dust has officially settled, and the field for the CONCACAF Gold Cup knockout rounds is now perfectly clear. Eight teams have successfully navigated the initial phase and now face a single-elimination path towards the coveted continental trophy. The journey culminates at NRG Stadium in Houston on July 6, but the immediate focus shifts to the high-stakes quarterfinal clashes.
This year`s knockout phase features a blend of expected powerhouses and intriguing dark horses. Regional giants and co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States Men`s National Team (USMNT), Mexico, and Canada, all secured their spots by topping their respective groups. They are joined by another strong group winner, Panama, who recently contested the Concacaf Nations League final.
Adding international flair and competitive spirit, three-time Gold Cup champions Costa Rica have also advanced, as has guest nation Saudi Arabia, demonstrating their intent on the CONCACAF stage. Rounding out the final eight are two sides who perhaps exceeded some expectations: Honduras, making their return to this stage after 2021, and Guatemala, who continue their improved form by reaching the knockouts for the second consecutive edition after a significant absence.
The Path Unfolds: Quarterfinal Matchups and Schedule
The knockout action kicks off this weekend, with quarterfinals split across two major venues. State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburbs hosts the first set of matches on Saturday, while U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis takes over for Sunday`s fixtures. Both days feature back-to-back games, ensuring a packed schedule of continental football.
The winners from these ties will then advance to the semifinals on July 2, with the ultimate victors booking their place in the grand final four days later.
Here is the confirmed schedule for the knockout rounds:
Quarterfinals
Saturday, June 28
Panama vs. Honduras
Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia
Sunday, June 29
Canada vs. Guatemala
USMNT vs. Costa Rica
Semifinals
Wednesday, July 2
Winner of USMNT/Costa Rica vs. Winner of Canada/Guatemala
Winner of Mexico/Saudi Arabia vs. Winner of Panama/Honduras
Final
Sunday, July 6
Winner of Semifinal 1 vs. Winner of Semifinal 2
The established bracket sets up potential heavyweight clashes further down the line, providing a clear, albeit challenging, route for each team dreaming of lifting the Gold Cup. As the tournament shifts from the group stage grind to the do-or-die intensity of the knockouts, every match promises to be a compelling spectacle. Football, after all, rarely grants second chances at this level.
Dominic Ashworth