The Concacaf region’s top 15 teams, including guest nation Arabia Saudi, will compete in the Gold Cup, the premier tournament organized by Concacaf, from June 14 to July 6 in Canada and the United States. This edition coincides with a year before the 2026 World Cup and alongside the FIFA Club World Cup.
1. Raúl Jiménez
The Mexican striker for Fulham (England) is a 9 who inspires his teammates with his selfless work ethic. He’s also a master at executing penalties.
At 34 years old, Jiménez enters the Gold Cup as Mexico’s third-leading scorer, with 39 goals (40 if you include a goal against Martinica, which is not FIFA-affiliated), chasing Jared Borgetti’s 46 and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s 52.
2. Tyler Adams
With significant absences in the US team (Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, Giovani Reyna called up for the FIFA Club World Cup and Christian Pulisic by personal decision), Adams is expected to lead from the midfield.
The 26-year-old player from Bournemouth (England) is a pressure machine due to his strength and anticipation skills, as well as an excellent playmaker.
Photo: Especial
3. Jonathan David
After not renewing his contract with Lille (France), the 25-year-old Canadian plays as a free agent, making him an attractive target for clubs in Spain, England, and Italy.
David is a quick and skilled forward who can play as a reference striker, midfield playmaker, or winger.
Photo: Especial
4. Manfred Ugalde
Agility, speed, versatility, generosity in assists, and finishing ability define this 23-year-old Costa Rican striker who plays for Spartak Moscow (Russia).
After resigning from the national team before the 2022 World Cup due to differences with the technical staff, he has gained prominence with Costa Rica during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Foto: Conmebol
5. Luis Palma
The 25-year-old Honduran from Celtic (Scotland) is a quick left winger with good dribbling skills and dangerous long-range shots. In the Concacaf qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Palma shines with his high number of assists and goal-scoring opportunities.
Photo: Especial
Key Players to Watch in the 2024 Gold Cup
- Raúl Jiménez: Inspiring Mexican striker with a strong work ethic and penalty-taking skills.
- Tyler Adams: Expected to lead the US team from midfield with his pressure, strength, and playmaking abilities.
- Jonathan David: Attractive free agent target for top European clubs, skilled in various forward positions.
- Manfred Ugalde: Agile, versatile Costa Rican striker with a knack for assists and finishing.
- Luis Palma: Quick Honduran winger known for his dribbling, long-range shots, and high number of assists.
