The Missing Match: Why The CONCACAF Gold Cup No Longer Has A Third-Place Playoff (And Who Got 'Tercer Lugar' In 2023)
The question of who finishes in "tercer lugar" (third place) in the CONCACAF Gold Cup is one of the most confusing and frequently searched topics by fans, and for a very good reason: the match itself no longer exists. As of the most recent tournament in 2023, and continuing the trend from previous editions, CONCACAF has officially discontinued the third-place playoff, making the designation a shared honor. This strategic move by the governing body of North, Central America, and Caribbean football reflects a shift in tournament priorities, focusing resources on the highly anticipated final and reducing player fatigue.
The latest official standings from the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which concluded in July 2023, confirm that the bronze medal position is jointly held by the two nations eliminated in the semi-finals. This article dives into the modern format, reveals the two teams who achieved the 'tercer lugar' status in 2023, and explores the controversial history of the match that CONCACAF decided to scrap after decades of inconsistent scheduling.
The Current Reality: Who is the "Tercer Lugar" in the Modern Gold Cup?
In the contemporary structure of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the concept of a single third-place winner is obsolete. Instead of forcing two disappointed semi-final losers to play an extra, low-stakes match, the tournament regulations dictate that both teams eliminated at the semi-final stage are recognized as joint third-place finishers. This decision is standard practice in many modern international football tournaments, particularly those with a packed schedule.
This means that in the 2023 Gold Cup, the two teams who earned the "tercer lugar" distinction were the United States and Jamaica. Both teams displayed exceptional quality throughout the tournament, only to fall short in the penultimate round.
- United States: The US Men's National Team (USMNT) was eliminated by Panama in a thrilling semi-final that went to a penalty shootout. The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Panama prevailing 5-4 on penalties.
- Jamaica: The "Reggae Boyz" were defeated by eventual champions Mexico in their semi-final match. Mexico secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, showcasing their clinical efficiency and advancing to the final against Panama.
Neither the US nor Jamaica played a final match for the bronze medal, yet both are officially listed as the third-place teams. This format ensures that players can immediately return to their clubs for pre-season training, a major consideration for top-tier international competitions.
The Controversial History of the Gold Cup Third-Place Match
The third-place match has a storied, albeit inconsistent, history in the Gold Cup, dating back to the tournament's inception in 1991. For years, the match was a fixture, but its sporadic appearance and eventual removal were driven by practical and commercial concerns.
The primary reason CONCACAF ultimately decided to discontinue the third-place game was a combination of low attendance and scheduling conflicts. Unlike the final, which consistently draws massive crowds and broadcast interest, the bronze medal match often struggled to fill stadiums. For example, reports from the 2003 third-place game indicated a very low turnout, signaling a lack of genuine fan demand for the fixture.
The decision to permanently remove the match was largely solidified after the 2015 tournament, which saw the match return for a single edition. The 2015 third-place playoff, featuring the United States and Panama, was the last official bronze medal match played in the history of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Panama defeated the US 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, securing the final third-place title via competition.
Why CONCACAF Ditched the Bronze Medal Game
The decision to abandon the match permanently, starting from the 2017 tournament, was a strategic move aimed at optimizing the tournament's structure and logistics. Key factors included:
- Player Fatigue: Adding an extra match for teams that had already played five or six high-intensity games was seen as unnecessary, especially for players who had demanding club commitments immediately following the tournament.
- Low Commercial Value: The match did not generate the same level of television revenue or ticket sales as the final, making it a less financially viable fixture to organize.
- Focus on the Final: By removing the bronze match, CONCACAF could focus all organizational and marketing efforts on making the final the undisputed climax of the tournament.
- Standard International Practice: Many major continental tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship (Euros) and the Copa América, also do not feature a third-place match, making CONCACAF's format align with global trends in elite football competition.
A Look Back: Every CONCACAF Gold Cup Third-Place Match Winner (1991–2015)
While the modern Gold Cup has eliminated the match, the history of the "tercer lugar" is rich with memorable games and surprise results. From 1991 to 2015, the match was played in most editions, giving nations a final opportunity to secure a podium finish. The following list details the winners of the official third-place playoff match:
| Year | Third Place Winner | Score | Fourth Place | Notable Entity/Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Mexico | 2–0 | Costa Rica | First Gold Cup third-place match. |
| 1993 | Costa Rica | 1–1 (a.e.t.) | Jamaica | Result shared after extra time. |
| 1996 | United States | 3–0 | Guatemala | USMNT secures bronze on home soil. |
| 1998 | Brazil (Invitee) | 1–0 | Jamaica | Brazil's only podium finish in the match. |
| 2000 | Colombia (Invitee) | 2–1 | Peru (Invitee) | An all-guest nation third-place final. |
| 2002 | Canada | 2–1 | South Korea (Invitee) | Canada's sole third-place win. |
| 2003 | Costa Rica | 3–2 | Mexico | Last match before the initial discontinuation. |
| 2015 | Panama | 1–1 (3–2 p) | United States | The return and final playing of the match. |
The list highlights the historical dominance of CONCACAF giants like Mexico and the United States, but also features unique moments, such as the participation of guest nations like Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. The 2015 encounter between Panama and the USMNT remains a significant milestone, as it serves as the definitive last time a winner was decided on the pitch.
Topical Authority and Key Entities in Gold Cup History
The Gold Cup, as the premier tournament for the CONCACAF region, has a deep pool of entities that define its history and competitive landscape. Understanding these entities is crucial for appreciating the significance of the "tercer lugar" position, even when it is shared.
- CONCACAF: The Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football, the organizing body.
- Mexico: The most successful nation in Gold Cup history, with a record number of titles.
- United States (USMNT): The co-dominant force, often competing with Mexico in the final stages.
- Panama: A rising power in the region, reaching the final in 2023 and winning the last third-place match in 2015.
- Jamaica: A consistent semi-finalist, achieving the 'tercer lugar' status in 2023.
- Semi-Final Elimination: The stage where the 'tercer lugar' teams are now determined.
- Gold Cup Final: The main focus of the tournament, replacing the bronze match in importance.
- Copa Oro: The Spanish name for the tournament, widely used across Central America.
- Canada: The only other nation to win the Gold Cup besides the US and Mexico.
- Costa Rica: A historical power, having won the third-place match twice.
- Guest Nations: Teams from other confederations (like Brazil, Colombia, South Korea) invited to participate historically.
- 2023 Tournament: The most recent edition, where the US and Jamaica earned joint third place.
- SoFi Stadium: The venue for the 2023 final between Mexico and Panama.
- Penalty Shootout: The deciding factor in the 2023 US vs. Panama semi-final and the 2015 third-place match.
The elimination of the third-place match has streamlined the tournament, but it has not diminished the competitive spirit of the semi-finals. For the two losing teams, the 'tercer lugar' designation serves as a consolation prize, recognizing their status as one of the top four teams in the entire CONCACAF region.
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