The 2025 Gold Cup will witness a historic milestone with Saudi Arabia's debut as a guest nation. Scheduled from June 14 to July 6 across the United States and Canada, the tournament marks the first participation of the Green Falcons in CONCACAF's premier national team competition.

Saudi Arabia's inclusion aligns with CONCACAF's strategy to diversify and elevate the tournament's competitive level. Known for their steady growth on the international stage, the Saudis will aim to leave a lasting impression as they face strong teams like Mexico, United States, and Costa Rica.

Preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

This invitation is part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. By welcoming teams from other confederations, CONCACAF aims to:

• Enhance the competitiveness of the Gold Cup.
• Provide participating teams a platform to fine-tune their squads ahead of the World Cup.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia's participation extends beyond 2025, as they have been invited for the 2027 edition, highlighting a growing partnership between CONCACAF and Saudi football.

Reports suggest that the 2025 Gold Cup may expand to include 24 teams, incorporating more guest nations from other confederations. This expansion would create a more diverse and exciting competition, drawing greater global attention to the tournament.