Concacaf unveil Guadalajara as host city for 8-team Tokyo 2020 qualifiers

August 22 – Concacaf have announced Guadalajara, Mexico, as the host venue for its men’s U-23 Championship, which will qualify two teams for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, United States and two Caribbean teams will compete in two groups of four in March 20 – April 1, 2020. The top two in each group will qualify for the semi-finals with the two finalists qualifying for the Tokyo Olympic Games later in the year.

All matches will be played at the Jalisco and Akron Stadiums. The tournament is being supported by the Mexican FA and the Jalisco State Government.

“I am sure that it will be a great experience for the 8 teams that will try to secure a slot in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, as well as for the fans, since Guadalajara is a city that is characterized by the warmth and joy of its people, for its extensive culture, its delicious cuisine, as well as being the land of Mariachi, one of our cultural icons, also considered a World Heritage Site,” said Yon de Luisa, President of the FMF. “We appreciate the privilege for our Federation to collaborate with Concacaf and the Government of Jalisco in organizing this important event.”

Caribbean qualification for the final tournament completes in September. Barbados, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Saint Kitts and Nevis have advanced to the final round with Saint Kitts and Nevis and Haiti, as the highest ranked teams, now hosting a single elimination play-in match versus Dominican Republic and Barbados, respectively.

The host announcement, at the Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara, was made by Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio (pictured left), Governor of the State of Jalisco Enrique Alfaro Ramirez (centre) and de Luisa (right).

“We are very excited to host the Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico. This competition plays a big role in showcasing the best of football across our Confederation, while providing an opportunity to qualify to the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Tokyo 2020,” said Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio. “Our teams have delivered strong and historic performances in the Olympic Games, we are looking forward to raising the competitive level in the region and bringing the gold back to Concacaf next year.”

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