CONCACAF releases portion of Gold Cup schedule

Los Angeles (AFP) – The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced on Monday that it has selected four first-time hosts among its 14 venues to stage the 2017 Gold Cup tournament.

The four hosts comprise the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas; FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio; Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California; and Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

“We’re excited to bring the Gold Cup to new markets across the country,” CONCACAF general secretary Philippe Moggio said. “These cities have all proved ready and eager to host our region’s marquee international soccer championship, and welcome world class soccer next summer.”

CONCACAF also announced that the USA has been placed in Group B. The Americans will be playing with new manager Bruce Arena at the helm.

The USA will play its group-stage games at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on July 8, Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on July 12, and Cleveland’s FirstEnergy Stadium on July 15.

Mexico has been placed in Group C and will play its third game of the group stage on July 16 at the San Antonio Alamodome.

Mexico begins play in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium on July 9, which will be followed by a contest at Denver’s Sports Authority Field on July 13.

So far, seven of the twelve national teams scheduled to participate have qualified for next year’s tournament, with Canada, Mexico and the United States automatically qualifying to represent North America. 

Monday’s announcement was only a partial release of the schedule. The full timetable, including selection of dates and details of matches for the knockout round and final, will be announced next year.