Jamaica to host Group openers as expanded Gold Cup spreads its wings

April 3 – Concacaf have officially announced Jamaica as one of the host venues for the 2019 Gold Cup this summer with the National Stadium in Kingston to host a double-header on June 17 that will include the Jamaican national team.

This is the first time the Gold Cup has been played in the Caribbean and Concacaf is promising the event will be “a celebration of sport and culture in this dynamic region.”

This edition of the Gold Cup sees it expand from 12 to 16 teams with the matches in Jamaica kicking off play in Group C. Top seeded Group C team Honduras will also be in action in Jamaica. As well as the Caribbean, Costa Rica will also host Gold Cup matches for the first time.

“Bringing the Concacaf Gold Cup to Jamaica is a watershed moment for our Confederation and Caribbean football,” said Concacaf President Victor Montagliani. “Hosting our premier competition in Jamaica for the first time is an extraordinary opportunity to promote the very best of the game in the Caribbean, while raising standards and improving access to the sport across our Confederation.”

The full group line-ups will be announced at an event April 10 in Los Angeles

“Today is a historic day for football in Jamaica, bringing the Concacaf Gold Cup to our country will change the entire landscape of the game in this country,” said Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts.

“The competition will inspire the growth of the sport and youngsters to play football. We are delighted at the prospects of hosting this Concacaf Gold Cup.”

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