Regional Cup finals, RTWGC return headline week

MIAMI, Florida – This week in Concacaf features the first legs of the Central American Cup and Caribbean Cup finals, plus the final group stage window of the Road To W Gold Cup.

Central American Cup

This Tuesday the first leg of the 2023 Central American Cup Final kicks off between Real Esteli of Nicaragua and Costa Rican side Alajuelense in Esteli, Nicaragua.

It has been a magical ride for Tuesday’s home side, with a victories over regional giants Olimpia of Honduras in the group stage and Costa Rica’s Saprissa in the quarterfinals. Real Esteli are in a Concacaf final for the first time ever and will be looking to make more history by winning the trophy.

Alajuelense arrive into the Final with plenty of motivation after narrowly falling in the 2022 Concacaf League Final to Olimpia. The Ticos marched their way to the semifinals before edging domestic rivals Herediano in a penalty shootout in the semifinals.

Not only does the winner claim the mantle of Central America’s best club, but they will begin the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup in the Round of 16.

The first leg on Tuesday sets up to be a scintillating affair between two sides who have displayed an excellent level throughout the tournament.

Caribbean Cup

The first leg of the Caribbean Cup final gets underway on Thursday night as Robinhood of Suriname will welcome in Jamaican side Cavalier for the first 90 minutes.

Both sides have impressed in their paths to the Final. Each won their group and each boast a lethal goalscorer. Cavalier’s Shaniel Thomas leads the tournament in scoring with eight goals, while Robinhood’s Shaquille Cairo has five.

Robinhood are five-time runners-up in the Concacaf Champions Cup and now a new generation is looking to leave a legacy. As for Cavalier, this is their first Concacaf final and a golden opportunity to leave a historic mark.

Not only does the winner claim the mantle of Caribbean’s best club, but they will begin the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup in the Round of 16.

Also in play this week in the Caribbean Cup is the Third-Place Match between Moca of Dominican Republic and Jamaican club Harbour View, with the first leg in Jamaica. The winner of the two-legged series will qualify for the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Road To W Gold Cup

The pivotal final window of the Road To W Gold Cup starts this Wednesday with three more teams looking to secure their places in the 2024 W Gold Cup as group winners of League A.

Facts and Figures from Road to Road to W Gold Cup

Mexico will get their first crack at winning Group A of League A on Friday at Puerto Rico with El Tricolor holding a two-point edge on the Boricuas.

Panama can win Group B in a Wednesday visit to Jamaica, as the Canaleras own a two-point advantage on Guatemala. However, should Panama drop points, it could open the way for Guatemala or Jamaica on Sunday to win the group.

Haiti only require a draw at Costa Rica to clinch Group C of League A on Thursday, however a Ticas win could make for an interesting final matchday in the group next Monday.

The winners of the three League B groups will advance to the W Gold Cup Prelims versus the second-place group finishers from League A and Guyana can win Group A of League B with a win versus Dominica on Wednesday and Suriname dropping points at Antigua and Barbuda.

El Salvador have already punched their Prelims ticket as winners of Group B of League B, however in Group C Bermuda and Dominican Republic are in a dogfight, with Bermuda slightly ahead by a point. On Friday, Bermuda host Saint Vincent and the Grenadines while Dominican Republic head to Barbados.

Promotion to League B is there for the taking for three teams in League C. Belize can win Group A with a draw at Bonaire on Thursday, Cuba can clinch Group B should Saint Lucia fail to beat Guadeloupe on Friday and Curacao can nail down Group D if they defeat Anguilla on Thursday. Grenada have already clinched promotion as winners of Group C.