MIAMI, Florida – This Tuesday the inaugural Concacaf Central American Cup will kick off with 20 teams looking claim regional glory and secure one of six berths in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The tournament will begin with the 20 teams divided into four groups of five teams, with the top-two finishers in each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
The four teams that emerge victorious from the quarterfinals will qualify for the 2024 Champions Cup, while the four losing quarterfinalists will square off in a Play-In Round to determine the final two Champions Cup berths.
The winner of the 2024 Central American Cup will advance directly to the 2024 Champions Cup Round of 16, while the other five qualifying teams will be placed into Round One.
Group A is headlined by 1993, 1995 and 2005 Champions Cup winners Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) and 1994 Champions Cup winners Cartagines (CRC), who will be joined by Universitario (PAN), Jocoro (SLV) and Coban Imperial (GUA).
Honduran giants Olimpia will be the one of the teams to watch in this tournament, as they lead the way in Group B. The two-time Champions Cup winners (1972, 1988) and only two-time Concacaf League champions (2017, 2022) will take on 1979 Champions Cup winners FAS (SLV), Xelaju (GUA), Independiente (PAN) and Real Esteli (NCA).
An intriguing month of football awaits in Group C with several former Champions Cup and Concacaf League champions in the mix, including Comunicaciones (GUA), Aguila (SLV) and Herediano (CRC). Joining 1978 Champions Cup and 2021 Concacaf League winners Comunicaciones, 2018 Concacaf League winners Herediano and 1976 Champions Cup winners Aguila are Real Espana (HON) and Diriangen (NCA).
Group D will see 1986 and 2004 Champions Cup and 2020 Concacaf League champions Alajuelense (CRC) take on three-time Concacaf League finalists Motagua (HON), Olancho (HON), Sporting San Miguelito (PAN) and Verdes (BLZ).
