The CONCACAF Gold Cup is, with little doubt, one of the most unique international tournaments in the world. Countries in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and even South America get a chance to compete against each other. And, for some reason, also Qatar.
The tournament has players from all over the world, whether it is dual-nationals representing their parent’s homeland or local stars who have earned moves overseas. It’s also one of the only tournaments where overseas territories can compete — and territories can even compete against the country that controls them.
However, the tournament is not yet entirely determined, despite the fact that the opening match is on Saturday. Three more spots remain and will be determined by playoffs–all held in Florida–between six nations. Here is all you need to know about the playoffs.
Guadeloupe vs Guyana
Guadeloupe and Guyana are competing to play in Group D, where the winner will face Canada, Guatemala, and Cuba.
A French overseas territory, Guadeloupe depends largely on dual nats plying their trade abroad. French-born Thierry Ambrose is perhaps the biggest addition to the team: after switching to Guadeloupe in March 2022, he has scored four times in his first nine matches. Guadeloupe brushed Antigua and Barbuda aside 5-0 in their first qualifier, and they are in decent form.
One of CONCACAF’s South American sides, Guyana is a small nation with a heavy Caribbean influence. Many of their star players are dual nats (mostly English), although they have exciting home-grown talent as well. Chicago Fire prospect Omari Glasgow was signed from Guyanese side Fruta Conquerors last year and has become an important part of the national side. He has seven goals, including an equalizer against Grenada in the opening round of qualifiers. Guyana won on penalties.
Guadeloupe has never beaten Guyana, with zero wins in four matches against them — although this matchup hasn’t occurred since 2012. I don’t see that changing: Guyana has been strong lately and has a very well-rounded squad. My prediction is 3-1 in favor of Guyana.
Martinique vs Puerto Rico
Martinique and Puerto Rico are competing to play in Group C, where the winner will face Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador.
Just like Guadeloupe, Martinique is a French overseas territory with a collection of dual nats. Striker Brighton Labeau is the main man to watch, having scored 19 goals in the Swiss second tier last season. He also found the net for Martinique for the first time in their opening round of qualifiers against Saint Lucia in a 3-1 win.
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and much of its team plays at various levels in the US. Improving infrastructure means that the national team is going to continue to improve, but they already have a quality group of players. Among them is promising goalkeeper Joel Serrano, who was Man of the Match as Puerto Rico shut out Suriname’s strong attack and upset them on penalties.
Puerto Rico has yet to win against Martinique, with two losses (one as recent as 2018). I believe that will change, however — despite Martinique’s recent form, Puerto Rico has all the ability to pull off another upset. I think Puerto Rico takes this one 1-0.
Saint Kitts and Nevis vs French Guiana
Saint Kitts and Nevis and French Guiana are competing to play in Group A, where the winner will face the United States, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a dual island nation (meaning it is divided between two islands) and, while it is now independent, it used to be a territory of both Great Britain and France. As a result, the national team has plenty of English-born players eligible to play for the country through their parents, like Championship veteran Romaine Sawyers. He did miss his penalty in the shootout against Curacao in the opening round, but thankfully the team progressed regardless.
As the name implies, French Guiana is a French overseas territory based in South America. The national team is a mix of French Guianans by birth and French dual nats. It was the former that starred in French Guiana’s opening qualifier, with Arnold Abelinti scoring two goals and assisting the other two in a 4-1 win over Sint Maarten.
Saint Kitts and Nevis has only won once in five outings against French Guiana, but I think that will change tomorrow. Saint Kitts and Nevis has the far-better recent form and a near full-strength side, so they should take this one. My guess is 2-0 to the Sugar Boyz.
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Image Courtesy of Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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