Nashville to Host US Soccer Team's Opening Match in 2017 Gold Cup

NASHVILLE, TN — The United States men's soccer team will begin its pursuit of a continental championship in Nashville next year.

CONCACAF, the governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean, announced the 14 host stadiums for the 2017 Gold Cup Monday. Nashville's Nissan Stadium will host two Group B matches July 8. The first of those two matches will be the United States against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The US was announced as the seeded team for the group, while Mexico will lead Group C, assuring that El Tri will not play in Nashville.

CONCACAF said it was committed in its selection to choosing venues in cities, like Nashville, that are emerging markets for soccer.

“We’re excited to bring the Gold Cup to new markets across the country. These cities have all proved ready and eager to host our region’s marquee soccer championship, and welcome world class international soccer next summer,” said CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Moggio in a release. “With matches also set for some of our more popular venues over the years, such as Dallas, Los Angeles and New York, next year’s Gold Cup will highlight the top-tier sporting status of international soccer across the nation.”

Nashville hosted the US in a game against Guatemala last year that drew a state record 44,385 to Nissan Stadium on July 4. Earlier this year, 40,287 saw Mexico play New Zealand.

While Nashville has hosted several friendlies for the senior national team and Olympic qualifiers, this is the first Gold Cup match in the city.

Other cities which will host matches are Santa Clara, Calif., Cleveland, San Antonio, Arlington, Texas; Houston; Philadelphia; San Diego; Tampa, Fla.; Harrison, N.J.; Pasadena, Calif.; Denver, Colo.; Frisco, Texas; and Glendale, Ariz.

Twelve teams in three groups of four will compete in a round-robin before a knockout tournament determines the Gold Cup winner. Seven teams — the US, Mexico, Canada, Curacao, French Guiana, Jamaica, and Martinique — have already qualified.

Ticket information is available from CONCACAF.

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