1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup — 1996 edition of the association football competition CONCACAF Gold Cup
Mexico won their second consecutive CONCACAF Gold Cup title in 1996, the first edition to include a non-CONCACAF guest team.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 3rd CONCACAF Gold Cup
- Host cities
- Los Angeles, San Diego, Anaheim
- Teams
- 9
- Group format
- 3 groups of 3 teams
- Final result
- Mexico 2–0 Brazil (U-23)
- First non-CONCACAF guest
- Brazil (under-23 side)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the success of the 1991 and 1993 Gold Cup editions, CONCACAF sought to expand the tournament's prestige and reach. The format was enlarged to nine teams in three groups, and for the first time an outside confederation was invited, with Brazil sending their under-23 squad to compete.
The 1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup was held in January across Los Angeles, San Diego, and Anaheim, California. Nine teams competed in three groups, with the top team from each group and the best second-place finisher advancing to the semifinals. Mexico ultimately defeated Brazil's under-23 side 2–0 in the final.
Mexico claimed their second consecutive Gold Cup title, cementing their dominance in the CONCACAF region during the mid-1990s. The inclusion of Brazil as a guest team established a precedent for inviting non-CONCACAF nations to future editions, broadening the competition's international character.