1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup — 1991 edition of the association football competition CONCACAF Gold Cup
The 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the first edition of the revived continental championship for North and Central America and the Caribbean, won by the host United States.
Key Facts
- Edition
- First Gold Cup; 11th overall CONCACAF tournament
- Host country
- United States
- Venues
- Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Rose Bowl
- Teams
- 8 teams in two groups of four
- Final score
- United States beat Honduras 4–3 on penalties (0–0 after 90 min)
- Winning penalty scorer
- Fernando Clavijo (United States)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The CONCACAF Championship had not been held since 1971; for two decades, the top finisher in World Cup qualifying was simply designated as the continental champion. By 1991, CONCACAF decided to revive a dedicated tournament, rebranded as the Gold Cup, hosted by the United States in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Eight national teams competed in two groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. The United States defeated Mexico in the semifinals, then met Honduras in the final. After a 0–0 draw, the United States won 4–3 on penalties, with Fernando Clavijo scoring the decisive kick.
The United States claimed the inaugural Gold Cup title on home soil, establishing themselves as a competitive force in CONCACAF football. The tournament became a biennial fixture and the premier national-team competition in the region, growing in profile and participation in subsequent editions.