Ferreira, Gray, Hagen lead Gold Cup Group Stage Best XI

MIAMI, Florida – The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup group stage featured high drama and elite performances from several individual figures.

Here is a look at the 2023 Gold Cup group stage Best XI.

GK Nicholas Hagen (GUA) – With two clean sheets and 11 saves, Hagen was a big reason for Guatemala’s best group stage outing in tournament history.

DF Patrick Burner (MTQ) – Burner had three goals in the group stage. He helped Martinique to victory over El Salvador to start the group stage and delivered a brace against Costa Rica in a wild 6-4 defeat to end the campaign.

DF Luis Romo (MEX) – Romo had Mexico winning from the opening minute, literally, and later extended the lead for a brace in the 4-0 win over Honduras. He also provided five steals on defense to help El Tricolor win its group.

DF James Sands (USA) – Sands started all three group stage encounters as the USA went on to win Group A. The defensive midfielder provided stability and assertive passing to fend off Jamaica’s dangerous attack and help deliver clean sheets against St. Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago.

MF Edgar Barcenas (PAN) – With a game-winning goal against Costa Rica, Barcenas helped Panama get off to a three-point start and eventually win the group, as Los Canaleros return to the knockout stages of the tournament.

MF Luis Chavez (MEX) – Chavez was among the best shooters in the group stage, contributed defensively with three steals and scored his first Gold Cup goal against Honduras.

MF Carlos Mejia (GUA) – Mejia started in Guatemala’s first two group stage matches to help a victory against Cuba and a scoreless tie with Canada. In the final match, he came off the bench to deliver the match-winning goal, and the ticket to the quarterfinals, against Guadeloupe.

MF Djordje Mihailovic (USA) – With two goals and two assists, Mihailovic was among the most influential players in attack.

FW Jesus Ferreira (USA) – Jesus Ferreira made history after becoming the first player to score hat-tricks in consecutive matches. His six goals helped the United States take the top of Group A on goal difference.

FW Joel Campbell (CRC) – Campbell contributed to four goals for Costa Rica with a conversion from the penalty spot and three assists in the group stage. His contributions helped Los Ticos secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

FW Demarai Gray (JAM) – With an assist from Gray, Jamaica earned a tie against the defending champions to keep the race open for Group A. A brace against Trinidad and Tobago helped spur the Reggae Boyz to consecutive wins and a spot among the last eight.