The United States and Mexico have historically dominated the Gold Cup, and have combined to win 12 of the first 13 editions. But with both teams hardly looking unbeatable, the rest of the field could stand a better chance of taking the title away. If that does happen, these three sleepers look best-equipped to go all the way and deliver a big payday.
Outside of the US and Mexico, Panama has been the most consistent Gold Cup performer over the past few years. They have reached the semifinals in each of the last three editions. They lost out to the US in the final back in 2013, but got some revenge as they beat the USMNT in last year’s third-place game.
Los Canaleros finished second in the Copa Centroamericana tournament earlier this year, and are also doing well in World Cup qualifying. They held both the US and Costa Rica to draws during qualifying and are just one point behind the US for the final automatic berth. With that track record, don’t be the least bit surprised if Panama is once again one of the last teams standing.
Honduras won’t be in any sort of form heading into this year’s tournament. After claiming the Copa Centroamericana earlier in the year, they’ve gone just 1-4-3 in their next eight matches. Los Catrachos also disappointed in the 2015 Gold Cup. They crashed out in the group stage, which snapped their streak of three consecutive semifinal berths.
Nevertheless, the Hondurans shouldn’t be counted out and could easily restart a new streak this year. They have some decent quality in their squad led by young forwards Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto of the Houston Dynamo. The two have a combined 10 goals in 38 caps, and should have the support of the Houston crowd when they play there against French Guiana.
Honduras won’t be the only sleeper to watch out for in Group A. Canada will also be a big threat to Costa Rica. The Canadians will bring a young team that features 17-year-old Alphonso Davies, Raheem Edwards, and Anthony Jackson-Hamel.
Despite being the only Gold Cup winner apart from the US and Mexico, Canada has had a wretched record in the tournament. They’ve crashed out of the group stage in the last three editions, and have gone winless in the last two. But they’re unbeaten in three friendlies this year, which includes a draw at Scotland, so this could be the year where they turn their fortunes around.
