1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mexico beats Brazil 2–0 to win second straight Gold Cup.

The 1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the third edition of the Gold Cup, the soccer championship of North America, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF).

Quick Facts

Tournament: 1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup (2nd edition)
Host nation: United States
Winner: Mexico
Manager: Bora Milutinovic
Final result: Mexico 2–0 USA
Significance: First Gold Cup title for Mexico

Lore & Background

The tournament returned to the United States and California; the games were hosted by Los Angeles, San Diego, and Anaheim. The format changed from 1993: it was expanded to nine teams, separated into three groups of three and played in January. The top team in each group, plus the best second-place finisher would advance to the semifinals. For the first time, a non-CONCACAF team was invited: Brazil, who sent their under-23 side.