GOAL takes a look at the tiers of teams in the 2025 Gold Cup, asking who's here to win it, and who's just filling out the numbers?

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The 2025 Gold Cup is upon us. CONCACAF's best, and one bonus team, have gathered in the U.S. to compete for regional supremacy. And while the competition is admittedly lacking some star-power this year, regional supremacy is generally one heck of a motivator.

Just one year out from a World Cup, North America's best have a chance to claim their place on center stage by winning a trophy and building a bit of momentum towards next summer's tournament.

The U.S. men's national team and Mexico have won all but one of the 17 editions of this competition and both will be in the mix again this summer. Mexico will be looking to repeat, having won in 2023, while the shorthanded U.S. will look to reverse recent fortunes and turn a few heads.

The only other team to win? Canada back in 2000 and, on the 25th anniversary of their biggest trophy win, the Canadians might just be the best team in the field as they look to take over as kings of CONCACAF.

The road through won't be easy, even for those three. This tournament always has plenty of upsets and, now more than ever, it seems as if most teams in the tournament have the potential to cause one or two.

So who's here to win this summer? Who's in the spotlight? Who's going to bring the danger to the big contenders? GOAL US breaks it all down in the 2025 Gold Cup Tier Rankings.

AFPTier: The Favorites

Mexico – The nine-time winners of this competition, El Tri are the favorites to make it 10 Gold Cup trophies. Featuring a team headlined by star attackers Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez, Mexico are the closest to full strength of CONCACAF's Big Three and, as a result, are in a good place heading into the tournament.

Canada – If they had Alphonso Davies, Canada might just be the overall choice. Even without him, though, coach Jesse Marsch will be feeling pretty damn good about his team. Led by top striker Jonathan David, Canada might just have the best player in the tournament. But this isn't a one-man show. Over the last few years, the Canadians have built a deep squad, one that could claim a major trophy.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTier: The USMNT

USMNT – Not quite at the same talent level as the two favorites, but definitely better than the teams below, the USMNT are operating on their own level this summer. A number of key players are missing, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson, leaving the likes of Tyler Adams to provide the leadership for an otherwise MLS-heavy squad. As a result, it wouldn't be a surprise to see this team win the tournament – just as it wouldn't be a surprise to see them exit early. At the moment, given the group's inexperience and lack of players from the regular rotation, the U.S. is something of a mystery.

Getty Images SportTier: Always Dangerous

Panama – Ask the USMNT about how dangerous Panama can be. It's rarely pretty, but head coach Thomas Christiansen knows how to set his team up and, more importantly, how to get his team to buy in. Because of that, they're a scary team to come across, even for the bigger sides in this tournament.

Jamaica – The Reggae Boyz have as much top-end talent as anyone in the tournament, headlined by the likes of Michail Antonio, Leon Bailey, Mason Holgate and Demarai Gray – all of whom are Premier League veterans. The question is whether they can turn that talent into a tangible run. Could this be the summer that finally happens?

Honduras – They pushed Mexico to the brink just last fall, winning 2-0 in the first leg of their Nations League quarterfinal before falling 4-0 in the second. That first leg, though, will serve as proof that, on their day, Los Catrachos can seize a game.

Haiti – Anyone who is familiar with CONCACAF lore knows that Duckens Nazon is always good for a big goal or two. They went to the semis six years ago and, while there has been obvious turnover, it does show them a path forward.

Costa Rica – Los Ticos have fallen on hard times recently as their Golden Generation has aged out. This team is nowhere near as dangerous as ones we've seen over the last decade or so. Still, there are some decent players in the squad and reason to believe they can go on a run.

Saudi Arabia – They provided the upset of a lifetime at the 2022 World Cup, taking down eventual champions Argentina in the first game of their tournament. They haven't really built on it, though, and this tournament comes amid struggles to qualify for the 2026 edition for these Gold Cup special invitees.

Getty Images SportTier: Don't Get Sleep On Them

El Salvador – They've made it to the quarterfinals twice in the last decade, with that in mind, don't write off La Selecta. Under prior coach Hugo Perez, El Salvador were always a tough out. New boss Hernan Dario Gomez is familiar with the region, too, having previously managed Guatemala, Panama and Honduras, among others on the international level.

Trinidad and Tobago – The Soca Warriors still conjure nightmares for USMNT fans and, while T&T are dangerous, they're also a beatable team. This group does have plenty of veteran leadership, headlined by the likes of former MLS star Kevin Molino.

Guatemala – They were crushed, 3-0, by Jamaica in World Cup qualifying just a few days before the tournament, and that might be a sign of things to come, considering they open against the Reggae Boyz in the group stage. They did escape the group in 2023, though, before narrowly losing to, you guessed it, Jamaica in the quarters.