At the conclusion of the group stage, the 2023 Gold Cup will advance to the round of 16, where only the top eight teams will prevail. Having triumphed in their respective groups, both the United States and Mexico have secured spots in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Canada is anxiously awaiting the last day of the group stage. The United States and Jamaica occupy an honored place as A1 and A2, while Mexico and Qatar hold the B1 and B2 titles, respectively.
United States running strong
With an astounding goal difference of 12, the United States has emerged as the top team in the group, leaving Jamaica far behind with its only 8. Entering the quarterfinals, the Americans will challenge the team that secures second place in Group D. Meanwhile, Jamaica flourishes in its dominance, continuing to reign over the group.
United States Men's National Team (USMNT) forward Jesus Ferreira scored three first-half goals against Trinidad and Tobago, making him the inaugural U.S. player to score back-to-back hat-tricks in international competition. In the Gold Cup, he has amassed six goals in a total of 88 minutes, with the first three scored on Wednesday against St. Kitts and Nevis, along with St. Louis, leading to a triumphant victory for the United States, having concluded their trip in Group A alongside Jamaica.
Ferreira's impressive achievement of three hat tricks in his career now places him alongside the legendary Landon Donovan as the only two players in USMNT history to accomplish such a remarkable feat.
Although Mexico lost 1-0 to Qatar in their recent match, their hopes of advancing from Group B were kept alive when Haiti triumphed over Honduras. Seizing the moment, Qatar took over second place with a superior goal difference of 0, compared to Honduras' disappointing -3.
🚨🚨🚨🚨The goal with which 🇶🇦Catar defeated 🇲🇽México IN THE GOLDEN CUPpic.twitter.com/fP92Mvk5MW
- Footy (@footyfootballc) July 3, 2023
Panama is still alive
Panama (Group C) is just one of all the groups that can secure a spot in the quarterfinals. However, the verdict on whether they will reign as group champions or be categorized as second best will only be resolved on the last day of the matches.
Panama triumphs as the current favorites, sailing a similar course to Mexico; however, their narrow goal-difference advantage creates uncertainty about their ultimate fate against their fierce Group C opponents. The outlook for Canada is dire, having suffered defeats in their opening matches.
To secure a place in the next stage, they must beat Cuba in their final match, as they currently occupy third place in Group D. Despite instances where the Canadians could have emerged victorious, they suffered defeats. They also have the potential to get a win and claim first place. As soon as a match concludes, the intense knockout phase begins with the quarterfinals. Each knockout team competes, and only one final champion will be determined that same day.
In the event of a tie between teams in terms of points, the first factor taken into account is the difference in goals scored. Subsequently, the team with the highest number of goals scored, in accordance with the official competition regulations, will secure the advantage.
