USA grouped with Canada in inaugural CONCACAF Nations League
March 28, 2019 12:20 MYT
The United States will renew their rivalry with Canada in the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League, while Mexico will come up against Panama.
Similar to UEFA's Nations League, the North American competition has been created to maximise the quality, quantity and frequency of competitive matches for all of CONCACAF's 41-member associations.
The draw took place in Las Vegas on Wednesday, with Gregg Berhalter's unbeaten USA drawn alongside Canada and Cuba in Group A of League A.
Gerardo Martino's Mexico – who have won their opening two games under the former Barcelona and Argentina head coach – will face Panama and Bermuda in Group B.
.@Concacaf Nations League Groups are defined! What matchup are you most looking forward to? #CNL pic.twitter.com/kpsQja1qJj
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) March 28, 2019
Adopting a round-robin, home-and-away format for the group phase – taking place in September, October and November this year – the four group winners from the top tier will advance to the final championship.
The semi-final and final will be played in March 2020, while the bottom teams from League A and B will be relegated as the League B and C winners gain promotion.
CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani said: "Through the Nations League, we have opened the doors of CONCACAF, and its football, to all."
LEAGUE A
Group A: USA, Canada, Cuba
LEAGUE B
Group A: French Guiana, St Kitts and Nevis, Belize, Grenada
LEAGUE C
Group A: Barbados, Cayman Islands, Saint Martin, U.S. Virgin Islands