CONCACAF selects nine venues to host Gold Cup

MEXICO CITY - The 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup will be held at nine venues in six US cities, the governing body for North America, Central America and Caribbean football said on Thursday.

The tournament will begin with a new preliminary round in Miami from July 2 to 6, where 12 teams will compete for the final three places in the main draw.

The group stage will kick off on July 10, comprising 16 teams playing in a hub-city format to reduce coronavirus contagion risks.

The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals. The final will be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on August 1.

"It is fitting that in our 60th anniversary year we will use a number of stadiums with a rich history of hosting CONCACAF football, while also making history with new venues that will host Gold Cup matches for the very first time," CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani said in a statement.

Six of the hosts venues are located in Texas: AT&T stadium in Arlington, BBVA stadium in Houston, the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, NRG stadium in Houston, Q2 stadium in Austin and Toyota stadium in Frisco.

Other venues to be used are Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Exploria stadium in Orlando and State Farm stadium in Glendale.