UEFA and CONMEBOL nations could be invited to 2025 Gold Cup

The Qatar 2022 World Cup may have ended just over a month-and-a-half ago but the next tournament hosts are already ramping up their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. As the United States, Mexico and Canada won’t be taking part in the qualification process, CONCACAF is backing them to participate in a special edition of the Gold Cup, with would take place in 2025 and feature nations from UEFA and CONMEBOL, amongst others.

Which nations would compete in the 2025 Gold Cup?

The three countries are pushing for the 2025 edition of CONCACAF’s biggest international soccer tournament to have 24 teams, which would be made up of 16 from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, two from UEFA (Europe), two from CONMEBOL (South America), two from AFC (Asia) and two from CAF (Africa).

The proposal would see the Gold Cup be played in as many different venues as possible in all three countries, essentially allowing them to carry out a dry run before the World Cup takes place the following year.

Expanded 2024 Copa America

As well as joining forces with the other world soccer federations for this one-off tournament, the United States, Mexico and Canada will most likely be part of the 2024 Copa América, which will be a big part of their preparations for hosting in 2026, although they must first qualify via the CONCACAF Nations League.

Where and when is the 2023 Gold Cup?

While negotiations for the 2025 Gold Cup continue, attention will soon turn to the 2023 tournament, which will take place in the United States between 16 June and 16 July. It has been confirmed that the final will be played at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood, California.