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.

The U.S. men’s national team returns to the Concacaf Gold Cup with unfinished business and a new generation eager to leave its mark. After a mixed run in 2023, all eyes are on their path through the 2025 edition.

With matches spread across packed stadiums in the U.S. and a roster that blends youth and experience, the challenge ahead is as much about identity as it is about silverware. Every fixture is a chance to test the project’s direction.

From group-stage battles to knockout pressure, the calendar is set, but the story is still unwritten. The schedule, the players and the expectations are all in place—now it’s time to see what unfolds.

USMNT’s next game

The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is set to face Mexico in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM ET | 4:00 PM PT.

Full 2025 USMNT schedule at the CONCACAF Gold Cup

USMNT’s recent results

• USA 2-1 Guatemala | Semi-final (July 2)
• USA 2-2 Costa Rica | Quarter-final (June 29)
• USA 2-1 Haiti | Group stage (June 22)
• USA 1-0 Saudi Arabia | Group stage (June 19)
• USA 5-0 Trinidad and Tobago | Group stage (June 15)

USMNT’s key players to watch at the CONCACAF Gold Cup

Tim Ream: The veteran center-back brings composure and experience to the U.S. back line. Known for his positioning and calm under pressure, Ream reads the game well and anchors the defense with quiet authority. His leadership on and off the pitch is vital for a squad blending youth and ambition.

Chris Richards: The Crystal Palace defender is a modern center-back with pace, strength, and solid distribution. Richards excels in aerial duels and often initiates build-up play from the back. His versatility allows him to shift between a high line and deep cover depending on the match scenario.

Diego Luna: The Real Salt Lake midfielder is a creative force with a fearless edge. Luna thrives in tight spaces and isn’t afraid to take risks with line-breaking passes or direct dribbles. His balance, vision, and willingness to press make him an emerging two-way threat in the U.S. midfield.

Malik Tillman: A dynamic attacker with a sharp footballing IQ, Tillman can operate as a winger or an advanced midfielder. He combines elegant ball control with an eye for goal, often drifting between lines to create overloads. His ability to unlock defenses with quick movement is a key asset.

Matt Turner: A proven shot-stopper with excellent reflexes, Turner remains the USMNT’s most trusted option in goal. He commands his area with confidence and is known for his penalty-saving instincts. His calm presence at the back is a stabilizing factor during high-pressure moments.

Brian White: The Vancouver Whitecaps striker is a classic No. 9 who thrives in the box. White’s movement off the ball and instinctive finishing make him a natural target in the final third. He presses relentlessly from the front and offers a physical option when the U.S. needs a more direct approach.

How to watch USMNT’s games at the 2025 Gold Cup

With the Gold Cup heating up and the U.S. aiming for another deep run, fans have several ways to follow every match live—whether at home or on the go. Coverage in English is handled by FOX, FS1 and FS2, while streaming is available via the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com.

For those without cable, streaming services like FuboTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV and DirecTV Stream offer live access to all official broadcasters. Whether watching from a smart TV, tablet or phone, fans won’t have to miss a moment of the USMNT’s Gold Cup journey.

Mexico arrives at the 2025 Gold Cup carrying both the weight of history and the urgency of a new era. After a string of mixed performances in recent tournaments, the team is under pressure to reassert its regional dominance.

The road ahead won’t be simple. With revamped squads across the continent and rising talent challenging the status quo, every group-stage match could be decisive. Consistency and character will be just as crucial as technical skill.

Key players are stepping into the spotlight, some seasoned, others emerging, all tasked with steering El Tri through a CONCACAF tournament that has grown more unpredictable with each edition. The stakes are high…

Mexico’s next game

Mexico’s upcoming match is the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final against the United States. The game is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT) at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Full 2025 Mexico schedule at the CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mexico’s recent results

• Mexico 1-0 Honduras | Semi-final (July 2)
• Mexico 2-0 Saudi Arabia | Quarter-final (June 28)
• Mexico 0-0 Costa Rica | Group stage (June 22)
• Mexico 2-0 Suriname | Group stage (June 18)
• Mexico 3-2 Dominican Republic | Group stage (June 14)

Mexico’s key players to watch at the CONCACAF Gold Cup

Edson Alvarez: The Mexican captain is a versatile midfielder known for his tactical intelligence and physicality. Alvarez combines precise passing with aggressive ball-winning skills, making him a vital link between defense and attack. His leadership on the field and ability to control the tempo make him indispensable in high-stakes matches.

Raul Jimenez: As a seasoned striker, Jimenez brings experience and a keen eye for goal to the Mexican frontline. His excellent positioning and aerial prowess allow him to capitalize on crosses and set pieces. Beyond scoring, Jiménez’s ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play makes him a key offensive fulcrum.

Luis Angel Malagon: He has quickly established himself as a reliable last line of defense with impressive reflexes and shot-stopping abilities. His composure under pressure and command of the penalty area provide Mexico with much-needed confidence. Additionally, Malagon’s quick distribution often launches counterattacks, adding another dimension to his game.

Santiago Gimenez: The young striker is emerging as one of Mexico’s most dynamic attacking threats. Known for his intelligent movement and sharp finishing, Gimenez excels at finding pockets of space inside the box. His agility and clinical instinct make him a constant danger to opposing defenses, while his hunger and energy inject vitality into Mexico’s forward line.

How to watch Mexico’s games at the 2025 Gold Cup

For fans in the United States, Mexico’s games at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup will be widely accessible through both English and Spanish-language coverage. All matches will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1).

Streaming options are just as comprehensive. Matches will be available on FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com for cable subscribers. For cord-cutters, platforms like FuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV will carry FS1’s feed.

As the best 16 teams in the region prepare to go all out at the 2025 Gold Cup, Trinidad and Tobago wants the spotlight. Managed by their biggest soccer legend ever, Dwight Yorke, the Caribbean side will look to be a dark horse in the competition. As we dive into what the team offers, we wonder: how are they doing in the FIFA world ranking?

Leveling up by two spots since December 2024, Trinidad and Tobago is now at the 100th spot in the rankings. Their total points sit now at 1,229.52, which marks a 14.71-point increase since the last ranking published.

As of now, they are the 11th-best team in Concacaf according to FIFA. Being featured in the Group D of the Gold Cup, they will play against USA, Haiti, and Saudi Arabia. This makes Trinidad and Tobago the lesser-ranked team.

Can Trinidad and Tobago shock the world?

Not to be disrespectful, but being below Haiti in the world rankings shouldn’t affect the Trinitarians. They are a way better team, better managed and have more talent. That should leave them with three points.

After Haiti, two really tough tasks lie ahead. Saudi Arabia has actually shocked the world before by beating Argentina in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Messi and company ended up winning the tournament but Saudi Arabia can claim they beat the best. For Trinidad, this is a massive game and if they can somehow take a point out of this, they would be in a great position to qualify for the quarter finals.

The biggest test of them all is facing host nation United States. The USA is the highest-ranked team in the whole tournament and they have home field advantage. Even if they are not planning to use their top-tier team, the United States should win this game, hence the importance for Trinidad and Tobago to get points against their other two opponents.

Who can shine for Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad and Tobago is not a stacked roster by any means. However, they do have some talented players they can rely on. For them to be a dangerous team, guys like Levy Garcia and Ajani Fortune will be tasked to carry the offensive load with pace and skills.

Costa Rica prepare for a tough task ahead as they take on Suriname, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico in the Group A of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. The ‘Ticos,’ as they are called, are seeking their first Gold Cup trophy. However, when looking at the players called up for the mission, one heavy name is missing: Joel Campbell.

As plenty of top stars prepare to take the spotlight, Campbell won’t. Costa Rica’s manager, Miguel ‘Piojo’ Herrera, didn’t call the forward as part of the national team. This was a tactical decision due to Campbell’s poor level and low amount of minutes played in the last year.

Campbell was one of the frontmen of a Costa Rica team that has qualified for the last three FIFA World Cups. However, even if other men like Keylor Navas are still on the national team, Campbell’s time as Costa Rica’s main forward seems to be a thing of the past.

What other players were left out of Costa Rica’s selection?

Alongside Campbell, another otherwise key player from Costa Rica is missing. Celso Borges, who actually is a Campbell teammate at LDA in Costa Rica, was also left out of the squad.

Borges retired from international football. However, his good level at the domestic scene made people and media wonder if he was going to be a part of Miguel Herrera’s final selection. Navas was also retired from the national team, but the coach managed to convince him to come back.

How many soccer stars are not going to the 2025 Gold Cup?

The 2025 Gold Cup will miss tons of players, not only Joel Campbell. Injuries, tactical decisions or simply refusals to play are part of the game. Soccer stars have been on a massive fatigue run this year. After finishing what is a long season, some of them had to go to the FIFA Club World Cup. This tournament is played at the same time of the Gold Cup.

Players like Christian Pulisic (USA), Henry Martin (Mexico), Mariano Díaz (Dominican Republic), and Alphonso Davies (Canada) will also miss action. These are just a few of the big names that won’t feature in this soccer tournament.

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup promised a dazzling kickoff in Inglewood, complete with fireworks, dancers and a performance by global pop star Luis Fonsi. But as the lights dimmed and the music started, one name was noticeably absent.

Whispers began to spread through the stadium and social media lit up with speculation. Fonsi, billed as the headliner for the opening ceremony, never took the stage. No announcement, no explanation—just a missing spotlight.

As fans celebrated the return of North America’s premier tournament, a different kind of question lingered in the air. What happened behind the scenes? And why didn’t one of Latin pop’s biggest names show up for the big night?

Why didn’t Luis Fonsi sing at the Gold Cup opening ceremony?

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup got underway with fireworks, vibrant choreographies and a packed SoFi Stadium. But the most anticipated act of the night never materialized: Luis Fonsi, who was slated to perform the tournament’s official anthem “Tocar el cielo”, was absent from the show.

Organizers later confirmed that the Puerto Rican superstar was unable to attend due to personal reasons. While no further details were provided, the announcement sparked a wave of speculation and disappointment across social media.

Despite his absence, the opening ceremony carried on with an energetic showcase that blended music, dance and digital visuals. Yet, for many fans, the missing voice behind the Gold Cup’s anthem left a noticeable gap in what was otherwise a festive kickoff.