Mexico to stage 2026 CONCACAF under-20 football championship

Football's governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean has confirmed Mexico as the venue for the 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, scheduled to run from 24 July through 9 August. The competition will determine which regional teams advance to the FIFA U-20 World Cup and earn a place at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

"The CONCACAF U-20 Championship represents a crucial step in the development pathway for the next generation of talent across the region, and we are delighted to stage the tournament in a country as passionate about football as Mexico," said Victor Montagliani, who leads CONCACAF and serves as a FIFA vice-president.

"With qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the LA Summer Olympics on the line, we expect a highly competitive tournament."

Montagliani expressed appreciation to the Mexican Football Federation and Commissioner Mikel Arriola for their work and backing, and said: "We look forward to delivering a premier tournament experience for both participating teams and fans alike."

Arriola responded to the decision by saying: "It is a great honour for us to be part of the development of the next generation of football in our region. We look forward to welcoming all participating teams and their fans to our country, and we are confident it will be a successful tournament and a great experience, reflecting the standards of CONCACAF and football in our region."

Twelve squads will take part in the 2026 tournament. Among them are high-ranked sides including the United States, Mexico, and Honduras, as well as nations that earned their places via regional playoffs: Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti, and Jamaica.

The championship will send four CONCACAF teams to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The title winner will also book a berth in the men's football tournament at the 2028 Summer Olympics. Should the United States lift the trophy, the Olympic slot will pass to the second-placed team, because the Americans already hold automatic qualification as hosts.