The U.S. men’s national team’s Gold Cup title defense will begin June 24 at Chicago’s Solder Field and, if successful, take it from one coast of the country to the other.
For the first time, Concacaf will offer its reigning champion the chance to own the spotlight. Whereas previous Gold Cups typically started with doubleheaders, the 17th edition of the tournament will kick off with a single match between the U.S. and Jamaica, the Americans’ stiffest group-stage competition. Although it won’t be a 2026 World Cup host, Soldier Field has been a frequent Gold Cup venue and was the site of the final in 2007, 2013 and 2019.
The Americans’ Group A slate will continue with a June 28 game at St. Louis City’s new CityPark against the survivor of a qualifying playoff featuring Curaçao, St. Kitts & Nevis, French Guiana and Sint Maarten. The first round will conclude on July 2 at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium against Nicaragua.
