Grubhub enters big event sports sponsorship with Gold Cup deal
July 27 – US food delivery service Grubhub has formally announced their first major sports sponsorship, becoming the official food delivery partner of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.
World Tournaments
US edges Jamaica to set up semi-final showdown with Qatar
Quarter final: Jamaica 0 USA 1
By Jhannet Sanchez in Arlington, Texas
July 25 – The US and Jamaica renewed a rivalry that has seen the two nations face each other in the last three Gold Cup stages. The US made it a third win in a row tonight in a quarter final that made up for in intensity what it lacked at times in quality.
Canada redefines Concacaf pecking order with landmark win over Costa Rica
Quarter final: Canada 2 Costa Rica 0
By Jhannet Sanchez in Arlington, Texas
July 25 – Both Costa Rica and Canada were fired up for a defining battle at the AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas, last night as their eyes were firmly set on reaching the semi-finals of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. Canada were looking to cement a place at the region’s top table while Costa Rica were seeking to prove they still held it.
Mexico turn on the style to sweep aside battle-weary Honduras
Quarter final: Mexico 3 Honduras 0
July 25 – Mexico brushed aside a battered and bruised Honduras in their quarter final of the Gold Cup at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, in front of a packed house of 64,211 mainly Mexican fans. They now head for Houston and a semi-final clash with either Costa Rica or Canada.
Qatar cling on for semi-final spot in face of gutsy El Salvador comeback
Quarter final: Qatar 3 El Salvador 2
July 25 – If the football world wasn’t paying attention when Qatar won the Asian Cup in 2019, it will be now. Even so, Qatar showed two sides of their football personality to beat El Salvador 3-2 at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to set up a semi-final clash with either the USA or Jamaica in Austin, Texas, on Thursday.
Montagliani says Gold Cup is delivering a major return to football for fans and partners
By Paul Nicholson
July 23 – The Gold Cup is now shifting from the hectic daily schedule of double header group games to the quarter finals this weekend in Glendale, Arizona, and Arlington, Texas. Big stadiums worthy of big achievements, something that this Gold Cup has been delivering with regularity.
Honduras looking to upset Mexico; Qatar want to end El Salvador record run
July 23 – The first Gold Cup quarter final double header takes place in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday in front of a sell out crowd. El Salvador meet Qatar, followed by Mexico vs Honduras.
US face strong Reggae Boyz challenge; Canada could take next step up against Costa Rica
July 23 –Sunday night will be the first big test of the USA’s gamble to send their European players back to their clubs Europe in favour of a majority MLS-recruited team. It will also see whether Canada have progressed enough to make the big tournament step up.
Men’s Olympics: Egypt hold Spain, Mexico brush off French
July 22 – Olympic football keeps surprising. On the opening day of the men’s tournament Egypt held tournament favourites Spain to a 0-0 draw and Mexico impressed with a commanding 4-1 win against a lethargic France.
Univision reports 25% uptick in Gold Cup viewing as Mexico draw more viewers than Copa America final
July 21 – Univision is reporting its highest viewing figure in the US for the group stages of the Gold Cup since 2011 and overall a 25% increase across matches aired so far.
State Farm Stadium in Glendale sold out for quarter-final doubleheader
July 22 – Tickets have sold out for the Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-final doubleheader at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to be played this Saturday July 24.
Olympics: Sweden shock US women superstars with 3-0 thumping in Tokyo
July 21 – Sweden shocked sky-high tournament favourites United States with two goals from Stina Blackstenius and a header from Lina Hurtig to get the Olympic women’s football tournament under way on Wednesday and dispel any doubts the event would be cancelled at the last-minute, following comments from Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto amid rising Covid-19 cases in the Japanese capital.
Qatar overcome late Honduran pressure to set up El Salvador desert date
Group D: Qatar 2 Honduras 0
July 21 – Qatar went into this final Group D fixture at the BBVA Stadium in Houston needing a point to qualify and set up a quarter final match up with Mexico. A win would hand that assignment to Honduras. It was another night of pulsating football in a Gold Cup that has overflowed with drama on the pitch, and on occasion off it.
Costa Rica’s Ruiz rolls back the years as Reggae Boyz storm threat blows out
Group C: Jamaica 0 Costa Rica 1; Suriname 1 Guadeloupe 0
July 21 – Jamaica and Costa Rica were only at the start of their battle for the top spot in Group C in Orlando when the players were called from the pitch in the fourth minute. A bad weather warning had forced the players from the pitch and the crowd for the stands as the rain poured down.
South African men’s team quarantined in Tokyo after three test positive
July 20 – Two South Africa footballers have become the first competitors to test positive for coronavirus in the athletes’ village in Tokyo – just days before the start of the Olympic Games.