Amid the surrounding controversy, CONMEBOL issued an official statement outlining the need to receive further information about the proposal before making a decision. Titled “Soccer Comes First,” the release addressed the situation currently keeping sports fans worldwide on edge.

“CONMEBOL reaffirms that its priority will always be soccer: its values, its people, and the passion that makes it the most popular sport in the world,” the entity led by Alejandro Dominguez stated. “We understand that the development of soccer requires commercial and financial decisions. However, these decisions must always serve soccer and never stand above its essence. Soccer always comes first.”

The demand for transparency

Rather than opting for an immediate rejection, CONMEBOL called for greater transparency and details regarding FIFA’s plans for the new FFE project, leaving open the possibility of eventually offering their support.

“Since CONMEBOL became aware of the proposal presented by FIFA regarding the FFE project, and in compliance with its institutional procedures, it initiated a consultation process with its Member Associations and convened a Council meeting for the sole purpose of analyzing and evaluating the proposal with the responsibility and rigor the matter requires,” the statement noted, setting the organization apart from other confederations.

“With that goal in mind, CONMEBOL requested additional information and clarification from FIFA regarding various aspects related to the scope, structure, governance, and potential effects of the FFE project,” the statement added. “CONMEBOL will continue to act with prudence, responsibility, and a spirit of collaboration, contributing to the strengthening of global soccer exclusively through institutional channels and principles of good governance.”

What does the project entail?

The proposal centers on a commercial restructuring that would overhaul the management of FIFA‘s primary competitions by creating a company to administer commercial operations and events such as the World Cup, the Club World Cup, and other tournaments governed by the organization.

As part of the plan, top leadership is considering selling between 20% and 30% of the newly formed entity to private investors, who would hold minority stakes without controlling power. According to FIFA, all net profits generated by the new enterprise will be reinvested into global soccer development.

Through a message on their official social media channels, the US Soccer demonstrated their support for Concacaf. “U.S. Soccer stands with Concacaf and its members,” they stated. This represents more than a simple vote.

Concacaf took a firm stance against one of the most controversial projects promoted by Gianni Infantino. In an extraordinary meeting, the 41 member associations unanimously rejected the proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), an initiative that involves bringing private investors into the commercial rights of the World Cup and other FIFA-organized tournaments.

Concacaf criticism of Gianni Infantino

Among the main concerns, the confederation stated that there was no proper review process, criticized the deadlines set by FIFA, and questioned the need to rely on private capital considering the multi-million-dollar revenue generated from the 2026 World Cup, which was listed as the most profitable in the organization’s history.

Additionally, Concacaf requested greater transparency in resource administration and asked to evaluate whether FIFA’s economic reserves could be used to strengthen soccer development without opening the door to outside investors.

UEFA also opposed FIFA’s plan

Concacaf’s decision comes just hours after UEFA expressed a similar stance. The European confederation warned that none of its federations will participate in tournaments organized by FIFA while this proposal remains in effect, increasing pressure on Gianni Infantino.

The FIFA Forward Enterprise project seeks to raise $4.2 billion through long-term investors, with a valuation close to $20 billion. However, resistance from two of the world’s primary confederations leaves the FIFA-backed initiative in an increasingly complex position.

Infantino proposed a plan to create a private commercial entity to manage the FIFA World Cup and other major FIFA events. This entity would be called the FIFA Forward Enterprise. Of course, this hasn’t settled well in Concacaf and UEFA. This would really put an asterisk in the neutrality factor, as private investors interests could interfere in sports transparency.

Concacaf released a statement on the matter, where they assure they are “an organization founded on service, transparent governance, and the long-term stewardship of football.” Not only that, but the statement adds, “the membership expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies.

In addition, the need for private equity investment to fund new and existing FIFA Forward programs following the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history was questioned. The discussion reinforced the need for greater transparency and proper governance.”

Concacaf revealed three clear conclusions

To end the statement, which pretty much aligns with UEFA, Concacaf members concluded with three main conclusions. All center towards transparency, and preserve the integrity of the game:

“- Rejected the proposal
– Tasked their FIFA Council Members with engaging FIFA to determine how existing FIFA reserves could be used to increase FIFA Forward funding for football development across our region; and
– Tasked their FIFA Council Members with instructing the FIFA President to ensure that any matter follows the proper governance processes via staff and FIFA Council, in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.”

Concacaf didn’t go as big as UEFA, but could

UEFA directly admitted that if the FIFA Forward Enterprise goes forward, the European entity would directly boycott tournaments. Concacaf didn’t go that far. But, if the issue at hand keeps going, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of the possibilities that Concacaf does the same.

According to the official competition format, there is no aggregate score in the final—meaning everything will be decided in 90 minutes, with extra time and penalties used if necessary to determine a winner.

Both teams arrive after strong knockout runs, reinforcing why this all-Liga MX showdown is being billed as one of the most competitive finals in recent memory. Toluca booked their place with a dominant semifinal performance.

What happens if Toluca beat Tigres UANL today?

Toluca will be crowned 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup winners if they beat Tigres UANL today in regulation, extra time or penalties. The final is a single-match decider, meaning there is no aggregate score or second leg.

If Toluca win inside regulation time, they lift the trophy immediately at Estadio Nemesio Diez, securing continental glory and qualification for global tournaments such as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the expanded Club World Cup pathway tied to Concacaf champions.

What happens if Toluca and Tigres UANL tie today?

If Toluca and Tigres UANL are tied after 90 minutes, the match goes to extra time, and if needed, a penalty shootout decides the champion. There is no replay, no aggregate rule, and no away-goals advantage in the final.

According to KO regulations, the match proceeds to two 15-minute extra-time periods if the score is level at full time. If the deadlock persists, the title is decided from the penalty spot, where pressure and execution become decisive factors.

What happens if Toluca lose to Tigres UANL today?

If Toluca lose to Tigres UANL today, Tigres will be crowned 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup champions, and Toluca will finish as runners-up. The result would immediately shift the continental spotlight to Monterrey.

For Tigres, a win would further cement their reputation as one of Concacaf’s most successful modern clubs, especially in knockout scenarios where experience and game management often decide finals.

According to the Concacaf financial distribution model, the champion receives a multimillion-dollar payout as part of a significantly increased prize pool designed to reward success across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Beyond the cash reward, lifting the trophy also guarantees entry into FIFA-sanctioned global competitions, including pathways to the Intercontinental Cup and future editions of the expanded Club World Cup.

How much does the Concacaf Champions Cup winner earn in total?

The Concacaf Champions Cup winner earns $5 million in prize money, along with additional financial distributions that can push the total value even higher.

According to Concacaf’s model introduced in recent editions, the champion receives the largest single payout of the tournament, reflecting the federation’s push to increase the commercial and sporting value of its top club competition.

Beyond the base prize, the winning club also benefits from performance-related bonuses, broadcast revenue shares and commercial distributions tied to the final stages of the tournament.

For clubs like Toluca and Tigres UANL, the final represents not just a trophy but one of the most lucrative single-match opportunities in regional soccer, especially when factoring in international qualification benefits and global exposure.

What does the Concacaf Champions Cup runner-up receive?

The runner-up of the Concacaf Champions Cup receives 50 silver medals and an estimated $300,000 in prize money, significantly less than the champion but still a meaningful financial reward.

Historical Concacaf payout structures show that finalists who finish second earn a fixed distribution from the prize pool, reflecting their progression through the tournament’s knockout stages.

While the difference between winner and runner-up is substantial, the second-place finish still provides clubs with additional revenue through match bonuses, broadcast allocations and sponsorship visibility gained during the continental run.

How does Concacaf distribute prize money in the Champions Cup?

Concacaf distributes Champions Cup prize money through a performance-based system that increases payouts at every stage of the tournament, with the largest reward reserved for the champion.

Teams earn financial bonuses starting from the early rounds, with incremental increases as they progress through the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final.

This tiered structure ensures that even clubs eliminated before the final still receive compensation for their performance, travel, and progression in the competition. It also helps balance financial incentives across federations.

Before the tournament kicked off, Inter Miami held the No. 3 spot in the region. However, following the conclusion of the Round of 16, Concacaf updated its official rankings, revealing that Miami has fallen to seventh place with 1,238 points.

Nashville’s elimination of Messi’s squad was a massive shock, as Inter Miami entered the competition as heavy favorites. Concacaf officially labeled the result as “The Biggest Upset,” a victory that propelled Nashville up seven positions into the top 10, landing them in eighth place with 1,277 points.

The Concacaf top 10: Who leads the region?

The battle at the summit sees defending champions Cruz Azul (1,271 pts) reclaiming the No. 1 spot from Liga MX winners Toluca (1,265 pts). Seattle Sounders remain the highest-ranked MLS side, rounding out the podium in third place (1,254 pts).

LAFC (1,251) and Club America (1,247) both climbed two spots to claim fourth and fifth place, respectively, following strong Round of 16 victories. Meanwhile, Tigres UANL (1,239) slipped one position despite advancing to the Champions Cup quarterfinals.

Inter Miami have officially dropped four positions in the latest Concacaf rankings, landing just behind the top Mexican clubs. Meanwhile, Nashville SC (1,227) and CD Guadalajara (1,220) both surged into the top ten, securing the eighth and ninth spots, respectively, and Columbus Crew (1,219) clings to the 10th spot after sliding two positions.

Messi looking to bounce back in MLS

The Champions Cup was Inter Miami’s primary target for 2026, but the early exit has shifted all pressure onto their MLS campaign. Despite the tournament heartbreak, Messi has been in vintage form to start the domestic season, netting five goals in fivematches and leading the team to three victories.

Currently sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, the Herons trail leaders Nashville by just two points. With the continental trophy out of reach, the Herons are now fully focused on defending the MLS Cup.

In that opening game, Nicolas Larcamon‘s men rallied late to take control of the series. Goals from Erik Lira and Gonzalo Piovi helped keep them within reach before Nicolas Ibañez scored a stunning 90th-minute winner.

Now the return match will determine which Liga MX powerhouse moves on to the quarterfinals. With just one goal separating the sides on aggregate, every possible result in the second leg could reshape the outcome of the tie.

What happens if Cruz Azul beat Monterrey today?

If Cruz Azul defeat Monterrey in the second leg, they will advance to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup and face the winner of the Los Angeles FC vs LD Alajuelense series.

Cruz Azul already hold a 3–2 aggregate lead after winning the first leg in Monterrey, so another victory would extend their advantage and comfortably send them through to the next round.

Advancing would keep alive their title defense in the regional competition after winning the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, where they defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final.

What happens if Cruz Azul and Monterrey tie?

If Cruz Azul and Monterrey draw in the second leg, the Maquina would still advance to the quarterfinals. Because the Mexican side enters the match with a one-goal aggregate advantage, any draw would keep them ahead.

Unlike some past editions of the tournament, the tie is decided simply by the aggregate score across the two legs. That means Monterrey must win the second leg to overturn the deficit. If Cruz Azul manage a draw, their advantage from the first game would be enough to move on.

What happens if Cruz Azul lose to Monterrey today?

If Cruz Azul lose the second leg, the outcome of the series would depend on the margin of defeat. Since the away goals rule exists in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a one-goal loss would still see Cruz Azul advance as long as Monterrey score less than three goals (e.g: Cruz Azul 0-1 Monterrey, Cruz Azul 1-2 Monterrey).

If Cruz Azul lose 2-3 to Monterrey, the game will go to extra time, and if the draw persists, penalties will decide the winner.

A defeat by two or more goals would eliminate Cruz Azul and allow Monterrey to advance. Nicolas Sanchez’s team remains a dangerous opponent in continental competitions, as it has a strong history in the region.

The result of the first match could shape how the tie unfolds heading into the return leg. Although the first game does not decide the series on its own, every result can influence the strategy for the second meeting.

The Champions Cup knockout rounds are played over two legs, meaning the aggregate score across both matches determines which team advances to the quarterfinals. That makes the opening encounter especially important.

What happens if Inter Miami beat Nashville SC today?

If Inter Miami beat Nashville SC in the first leg, they would take a lead on aggregate into the second leg of the Champions Cup. The series would still remain open, but the Florida club would control the advantage heading into the return match.

Knockout rounds are decided over two legs, with the total number of goals across both games determining which team advances. That means a victory in the opening match would allow Inter Miami to approach the second leg knowing that a draw could still be enough to reach the quarterfinals.

A multi-goal victory would give the club more margin for error in the second leg, while a one-goal win would leave the tie much tighter. Still, taking an early lead in the aggregate score is often a key step toward advancing in a two-game series.

What happens if Inter Miami and Nashville SC tie?

If Inter Miami and Nashville SC tie in the first leg, the series would remain level on aggregate heading into the second match. Neither team would hold an advantage, leaving the return leg to determine who advances.

A draw means the teams would begin the second leg with the same total number of goals. The winner of that match would move on, while another tie across both legs would trigger the tournament’s tiebreaking procedures.

If both teams finish the two matches tied on aggregate, the next factor used to determine the winner is the number of away goals scored in the series. If that is also equal, the tie can be decided by penalties.

What happens if Inter Miami lose to Nashville SC today?

If Inter Miami lose in the first leg, they would head into the second match trailing on aggregate. The team would have to win the return leg by enough goals to erase Nashville’s advantage and stay alive in the tournament.

A narrow defeat would keep the series very manageable, since Inter Miami could equalize the aggregate score with a one-goal win in the second leg. However, a larger loss would force them to chase multiple goals in the return game.

Even in a losing effort, scoring could still prove important. Goals scored away from home can become a tiebreaker if the aggregate score ends level after both matches, potentially influencing which team advances to the next round.

Suriname may not rank among Concacaf‘s elite, but they consistently prove to be a formidable adversary. Under the guidance of head coach Stanley Menzo, the team has established one of the most well-organized defenses, employing a five-player backline. However, this defensive stronghold comes at a cost; the team has struggled offensively, failing to score in its last three matches.

In contrast, El Salvador recently celebrated a victory in their latest 2026 World Cup Qualifiers outing. Despite this success, Hernan Gomez’s team battles with consistency, winning only two of its last six matches and raising questions about its reliability. Nevertheless, El Salvador’s offense presents a more potent threat than Suriname‘s, suggesting it will likely play a more decisive role in upcoming game.

El Salvador predicted lineup vs Suriname

El Salvador enter the game against Suriname with no absentees to their roster, as they managed to avoid injuries and red cards in the previous game. For this reason, head coach Hernan Dario could field a team similar to the one in the previous match. With this, Brayan Gil and Harold Osorio could lead the team’s offense.

With this in mind, El Salvador could play as follows: Mario Gonzalez; Julio Sibrian, Henry Romero, Jorge Cruz, Diego Flores; John Valladares, Darwin Ceren, Mauricio Cerritos, Harold Osorio; Brayan Gil, Styven Vasquez.

Suriname predicted lineup vs El Salvador

Much like El Salvador, Suriname enter the game with a full roster, free from injuries or suspensions. This clean bill of health allows head coach Stanley Menzo to potentially replicate the lineup from their previous two matches. Nonetheless, the primary doubt is whether Gyrano Kerk or Gleofilo Vlijter will take the center forward position.

Considering this, Suriname could lineup as follows: Etienne Vaessen; Liam Van Gelderen, Radinio Balker, Myenty Abena, Shaquille Pinas, Djevencio van der Kust; Denzel Jubitana, Dhoraso Klas, Kenneth Paal, Richonell Margaret; Gyrano Kerk.

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final is more than a match—it’s a cultural collision. USA vs Mexico, the eternal rivalry, lands in Houston’s NRG Stadium with stakes high and tensions even higher in the stands.

Tickets vanished in minutes. Resale prices soared. Flags, chants and drums have turned the stadium into a boiling point days before kickoff. It’s not just a final—it’s a full-blown event pulsing with color and sound.

Official capacity is set, but the soccer atmosphere will feel bigger. Security is tight, the crowd is electric and questions swirl over how many fans will actually squeeze into every corner of the venue.

How many fans will attend the 2025 Gold Cup final?

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final between the United States and Mexico is set to bring one of the largest soccer crowds Houston has ever seen. NRG Stadium, home to the NFL’s Texans, is expected to reach near full capacity today.

According to FOX Sports, more than 70,000 fans are anticipated to pack the venue, while nearly 60,000 tickets have already been distributed as of early July. Some seats remain available on GoldCup.org, but a sellout is now widely expected.

With a listed capacity of 72,220 (per ESPN), and the stakes of a USA–Mexico final, the energy inside NRG Stadium will rival that of any global soccer fixture. It’s not just a match—it’s an event poised to shake the stands.

The 2025 Gold Cup is racing toward its July 6 finale in Houston, but whispers have already begun about the match nobody talks about: the battle for bronze, a fixture once routine, now a murky footnote in the tournament’s history.

Concacaf scrapped the third‑place duel in 2005, briefly revived it a decade later then shelved it anew. Yet with cash, pride and ranking points all at stake, coaches, fans and broadcasters still debate the merits of a consolation clash now.

Pre‑tournament paperwork offers clues, yet speculation swirls: television slots, sponsor pressure and a restless fanbase might tip the scales. Until kickoff, the third‑place puzzle keeps insiders trading whispers day and nights.

Has the Gold Cup ever had a third place match?

Yes—though not consistently. From the Gold Cup’s inception in 1991 through the early 2000s, a third place match was a regular part of the tournament format. These bronze-medal fixtures typically took place the day before the final and were seen as a way to give closure to the tournament for semifinal losers, offering fans one last match to support their teams.

Several notable third place games delivered drama, including Canada’s shootout win over Colombia in 2000 and the USA’s 3–2 win over Costa Rica in 1993. While not always headline-grabbers, these matches gave underdog teams a moment in the spotlight.

When was the last time a third place game was played?

The last official third place game at the Concacaf Gold Cup took place in 2003, when Colombia defeated Costa Rica 2–0 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. After that edition, Concacaf opted to drop the match from its format entirely.

Although discussions about reintroducing it surfaced periodically, especially as guest nations like Brazil and South Korea brought international attention to the competition, no third place match has been staged since that 2003 encounter. It’s been over two decades since the Gold Cup last crowned a bronze winner.

Do the 2025 regulations include a third place fixture?

As of the tournament’s official competition regulations released in early 2025, there is no scheduled third place match for this year’s Gold Cup. The bracket format lists only semifinals and a final, with no mention of a consolation match for the losing sides.

This follows the same pattern seen in every edition since 2005. While the Gold Cup has evolved in terms of venues, team participation and scheduling, the omission of a third place game remains a consistent—and deliberate—choice by the organizing body.

Why was the third place match removed in the first place?

The decision to scrap the third place match wasn’t made on a whim. After 2003, Concacaf reassessed the tournament’s structure to focus on logistical efficiency and to avoid stretching the schedule with a game that, historically, drew limited fan interest and attendance.

There were also player welfare concerns: teams already eliminated from the title race often saw little motivation to compete again after a semifinal loss, particularly in a tightly packed summer calendar. Broadcasters and sponsors showed limited enthusiasm as well.