The USMNT is the 2006 hex champion. According to the tiebreaking rules applying for that qualifying tournament, the USMNT finished ahead of Mexico based on results between tied teams . Mexico and the USMNT, tied on head-to-head points (3). Head-to-head goal difference: United States +1, Mexico −1.
I think Concacaf should not do this, because (we expect) the top three teams this cycle won’t even compete next cycle, and for cycles after that there might not even be a single-table competition for the five or so slots we get.
So I just read the story in The Athletic about Canada's 1986 qualifiers, and it said that Canada received a trophy for winning the qualification campaign. There was only one slot that Cup (plus Mexico as hosts). So there is precedent!
Do grown men care about a trophy that much? Wouldn't think it would matter much as long as their ticket to Qatar got punched. As a player, thats all I would care about.
I believe this is a foolish idea. The whole point is to qualify for the World Cup. It's binary -- you either do or you don't. First or second or third in the table just doesn't matter. And once a nation has qualified, as Canada has, or the U.S. could have if they'd taken down Mexico the other night, does it make sense for European-based players to continue to play in order to take first? I don't think the clubs would be happy about that. What if one of their players was injured in the final game? And for what? A trophy?
Interesting idea but hard to award it at this point in the cycle (I don’t know that it would have changed anything but still odd at best to suddenly award a new trophy after all but 2 of the games played). While it would be pretty meaningless in 2026 as the top teams will qualify automatically, it could be a nice idea as the number of CONCACAF spots at the World Cup expands (making qualifying easier), to keep the top teams engaged. Unfortunately, with the Nations League and Gold Cup, I’m guessing they have the trophies they want to award.
You are absolutely right. While Concacaf officials may have a “religious”commitment to the sanctity of the gold cup, the fans could care less. It is a meaningless trophy, which signifies nothing. And that is reflected in the player participation as well… where no one cares if our top players are available or not. Great idea. Which, sadly, will get no attention.
I think this is a great idea! Even if the US, Mexico, and Canada won't compete for 2026, it would be a great feather in the cap of Costa Rica, Jamaica, or another country to aspire to. Anything to raise the quality of football for ALL countries in the CONCACAF is a win for everybody!
The USMNT is the 2006 hex champion. According to the tiebreaking rules applying for that qualifying tournament, the USMNT finished ahead of Mexico based on results between tied teams . Mexico and the USMNT, tied on head-to-head points (3). Head-to-head goal difference: United States +1, Mexico −1.
I think Concacaf should not do this, because (we expect) the top three teams this cycle won’t even compete next cycle, and for cycles after that there might not even be a single-table competition for the five or so slots we get.
So I just read the story in The Athletic about Canada's 1986 qualifiers, and it said that Canada received a trophy for winning the qualification campaign. There was only one slot that Cup (plus Mexico as hosts). So there is precedent!
Do grown men care about a trophy that much? Wouldn't think it would matter much as long as their ticket to Qatar got punched. As a player, thats all I would care about.
I believe this is a foolish idea. The whole point is to qualify for the World Cup. It's binary -- you either do or you don't. First or second or third in the table just doesn't matter. And once a nation has qualified, as Canada has, or the U.S. could have if they'd taken down Mexico the other night, does it make sense for European-based players to continue to play in order to take first? I don't think the clubs would be happy about that. What if one of their players was injured in the final game? And for what? A trophy?
A medal or something for sure. Would be nice to recognize it.
Good idea but aren’t there better things to talk about on this game day🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Interesting idea but hard to award it at this point in the cycle (I don’t know that it would have changed anything but still odd at best to suddenly award a new trophy after all but 2 of the games played). While it would be pretty meaningless in 2026 as the top teams will qualify automatically, it could be a nice idea as the number of CONCACAF spots at the World Cup expands (making qualifying easier), to keep the top teams engaged. Unfortunately, with the Nations League and Gold Cup, I’m guessing they have the trophies they want to award.
You are absolutely right. While Concacaf officials may have a “religious”commitment to the sanctity of the gold cup, the fans could care less. It is a meaningless trophy, which signifies nothing. And that is reflected in the player participation as well… where no one cares if our top players are available or not. Great idea. Which, sadly, will get no attention.
Agreed, they should get something more than air fare to Qatar. But it’ll be a moot point in ‘26 and going forward with a 48-team World Cup.
Great idea. Yes, qualifying will be different in the next two cycles, but the team that finishes on top still should be recognized.
I think that makes great sense
A trophy that mimics the 2022 mascot!
I think this is a great idea! Even if the US, Mexico, and Canada won't compete for 2026, it would be a great feather in the cap of Costa Rica, Jamaica, or another country to aspire to. Anything to raise the quality of football for ALL countries in the CONCACAF is a win for everybody!