Gold Cup Tier Rankings: From a shorthanded USMNT to favorites Mexico and Canada, who's here to win it, who's here for holiday?

Mexico - The nine-time winners of this competition, El Tri are the favorites to make it 10 Gold Cup trophies. Featuring a team headlined by star attackers Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez, Mexico are the closest to full strength of CONCACAF's Big Three and, as a result, are in a good place heading into the tournament.

Canada - If they had Alphonso Davies, Canada might just be the overall choice. Even without him, though, coach Jesse Marsch will be feeling pretty damn good about his team. Led by top striker Jonathan David, Canada might just have the best player in the tournament. But this isn't a one-man show. Over the last few years, the Canadians have built a deep squad, one that could claim a major trophy.

USMNT - Not quite at the same talent level as the two favorites, but definitely better than the teams below, the USMNT are operating on their own level this summer. A number of key players are missing, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson, leaving the likes of Tyler Adams to provide the leadership for an otherwise MLS-heavy squad. As a result, it wouldn't be a surprise to see this team win the tournament - just as it wouldn't be a surprise to see them exit early. At the moment, given the group's inexperience and lack of players from the regular rotation, the U.S. is something of a mystery.

Panama - Ask the USMNT about how dangerous Panama can be. It's rarely pretty, but head coach Thomas Christiansen knows how to set his team up and, more importantly, how to get his team to buy in. Because of that, they're a scary team to come across, even for the bigger sides in this tournament.

Jamaica - The Reggae Boyz have as much top-end talent as anyone in the tournament, headlined by the likes of Michail Antonio, Leon Bailey, Mason Holgate and Demarai Gray - all of whom are Premier League veterans. The question is whether they can turn that talent into a tangible run. Could this be the summer that finally happens?

Honduras - They pushed Mexico to the brink just last fall, winning 2-0 in the first leg of their Nations League quarterfinal before falling 4-0 in the second. That first leg, though, will serve as proof that, on their day, Los Catrachos can seize a game.

Haiti - Anyone who is familiar with CONCACAF lore knows that Duckens Nazon is always good for a big goal or two. They went to the semis six years ago and, while there has been obvious turnover, it does show them a path forward.

Costa Rica - Los Ticos have fallen on hard times recently as their Golden Generation has aged out. This team is nowhere near as dangerous as ones we've seen over the last decade or so. Still, there are some decent players in the squad and reason to believe they can go on a run.

Saudi Arabia - They provided the upset of a lifetime at the 2022 World Cup, taking down eventual champions Argentina in the first game of their tournament. They haven't really built on it, though, and this tournament comes amid struggles to qualify for the 2026 edition for these Gold Cup special invitees.

El Salvador - They've made it to the quarterfinals twice in the last decade, with that in mind, don't write off La Selecta. Under prior coach Hugo Perez, El Salvador were always a tough out. New boss Hernan Dario Gomez is familiar with the region, too, having previously managed Guatemala, Panama and Honduras, among others on the international level.

Trinidad and Tobago - The Soca Warriors still conjure nightmares for USMNT fans and, while T&T are dangerous, they're also a beatable team. This group does have plenty of veteran leadership, headlined by the likes of former MLS star Kevin Molino.

Guatemala - They were crushed, 3-0, by Jamaica in World Cup qualifying just a few days before the tournament, and that might be a sign of things to come, considering they open against the Reggae Boyz in the group stage. They did escape the group in 2023, though, before narrowly losing to, you guessed it, Jamaica in the quarters.

Suriname - Just the second time they've qualified for this tournament in four years, Suriname actually did pick up a win over Guadeloupe in the 2021 group stage. There are plenty of European-based players in the squad, including Bundesliga veteran Jean-Paul Boetius. A decent Nations League showing against Canada will give them a little bit of hope to pull off some upsets.

Guadeloupe - Although they aren't recognized by FIFA, Guadeloupe are in the Gold Cup for the sixth time since 2007, including the last three consecutive tournaments. There is some experience in the team, headlined by former France youth internationals Thierry Ambrose, Jerome Roussillon and Christopher Jullien.

Curacao - Given the Dutch connections, there's no shortage of experienced talent in the Curacao team, and veteran head coach Dick Advocaat is the man trying to bring that all together. They've had good results recently, too, smashing both Saint Lucia and Haiti by a combined 9-1 leading to the tournament.

Dominican Republic - The lowest-ranked team in the field per FIFA, this is the Dominican Republic's first Gold Cup, making them the most "Glad to be here" of all the teams. While the talent largely isn't there to compete, they do have two stars: former Real Madrid man Mariano Diaz, who will lead the line, and current Leeds United fullback Junior Firpo, who was playing for Barcelona just a few years ago.