MIAMI, Florida – On Monday, September 28, Concacaf will conduct the Draw for the 2021 Gold Cup in which 16 teams will look to win Concacaf’s most prestigious national team tournament, including 2017 and 2019 Finalist Jamaica and 2000 champion Canada.
Here is a breakdown of the teams in Pot 2.
Jamaica – The Reggae Boyz always seem to deliver their best football in the Gold Cup. Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to reach the Gold Cup Final in 2015 after a first ever Gold Cup win over the United States in the semifinal. Two years later, Jamaica recorded a first ever Gold Cup win against Mexico to earn a place in the 2017 Final. Not to be outdone was another solid semifinal finish in 2019, making Jamaica the only Caribbean nation to have reached the semifinal stage in three consecutive Gold Cup. Appearing in their 12th Gold Cup tournament, Jamaica’s pedigree, including 2017 Gold Cup Golden Glove winner Andre Blake, will make them another title contender in 2021.
Canada – These are exciting times for fans of the Canadian National Team, who will be making their 15th Gold Cup appearance. The 2000 Gold Cup champions are full of emerging stars in world football, including DF and 2019-20 UEFA Champions League winner Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich. Up front, there is FW and 2019 Gold Cup Golden Boot winner Jonathan David, who at 20 years old is turning heads everywhere with his goal-scoring exploits. A record-setting group stage in 2019 ended with a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Haiti in the quarterfinals, so there is no doubt that Head Coach John Herdman will have a very motivated side to start the 2021 edition.
Panama – It is a new world for the Panamanian National Team following their historic qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and judging by their spirited quarterfinal finish in the 2019 Gold Cup, the new generation of Panama players are aiming to make a name for themselves in what will be Panama’s 10th Gold Cup appearance. Finalists in 2005 and 2013, Panama are led by the likes of FW Gabriel Torres, who provides bundles of goals and leadership for a young crop of Canaleros.
El Salvador – Heading into their 12th Gold Cup, El Salvador will be looking to take the next step and reach a new level in the tournament. Never before have the Cuscatlecos made it to the semifinal stage of the Gold Cup, but they have come achingly close on many an occasion. Buoyed by one of the most passionate fan bases in the entire Concacaf region, one would not bet against Head Coach Carlos de los Cobos and his players to make history in 2021.
