MIAMI, Florida – The field for the inaugural Central American Cup is taking shape, with 16 of the 20 teams already determined and the final four spots to be finalized in the next month.
The Central American Cup is the new method of qualification for the newly expanded Concacaf Champions League in 2024, which will feature the four quarterfinal winners from the 2023 Central American Cup and the winners from two play-in rounds.
Among the teams already qualified for the 2023 Central American Cup are two-time Scotiabank Concacaf League champions CD Olimpia of Honduras, 2019 SCL winners Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica and 2021 SCL winners Comunicaciones of Guatemala.
Below is the list of teams qualified for the 2023 Central American Cup:
COSTA RICA
Deportivo Saprissa
Three-time Concacaf champions and 2019 SCL winners Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica will attempt to try to win a third different Concacaf trophy.
LD Alajuelense
Two-time Concacaf champions and 2020 SCL winners Alajuelense will also be targeting another piece of Concacaf hardware for their trophy cabinet.
Herediano
2018 SCL champions Herediano will be trying to qualify for a 10th Champions League.
Cartagines
1994 Concacaf champions Cartagines will be seeking their first Champions League berth since the 2013-14 edition.
EL SALVADOR
FAS
Past Concacaf champions FAS (1979) will be seeking their first Champions League appearance since the 2014-15 edition. FAS appeared in three editions of the SCL (2018, 2020, 2021).
CD Aguila
The 1976 Concacaf champions have qualified for Concacaf competition for the second year in a row (2022 SCL) and will be targeting a second Champions League qualification (2012-13).
GUATEMALA
Coban Imperial
Coban Imperial will make their first appearance in international competition since the 2004 UNCAF Interclub Cup.
Comunicaciones
Former Concacaf champions (1978) and 2021 SCL winners Comunicaciones will seek a new Concacaf trophy in the Central American Cup.
HONDURAS
Olimpia
The only two-time champions of the SCL and former Concacaf winners Olimpia will try to become the first ever Central American Cup champion and qualify for a record 14th Champions League.
Real Espana
Real Espana made a heralded return to the Champions League in 2023 and now will attempt to qualify for the tournament for a fifth time.
Motagua
Three-time SCL runners-up Motagua have their sights set on a third straight Champions League qualification.
Olancho FC
Olancho will be making their first foray into international competition and will try to become the seventh different team from Honduras to qualify for the Champions League.
NICARAGUA
Real Esteli
Real Esteli are no strangers to Concacaf competition, with seven previous SCCL berths and five SCL appearances.
Diriangen
Diriangen are in Concacaf competition for a third consecutive season and are hoping to qualify for a first ever Champions League.
PANAMA
CAI
CAI return to Concacaf competition for the first time since the 2021 SCL. Their lone Champions League appearance came in 2019.
Sporting San Miguelito
Sporting San Miguelito are back again in Concacaf competition for a second straight year after playing in the 2022 SCL. They competed in the SCCL in 2013-14.
