NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA: CONCACAF Caribbean Cup The CONCACAF Caribbean Cup is the prestigious biennial international football tournament contested by national teams from the Caribbean region. Featuring 31 FIFA-affiliated nations and dependencies, the tournament serves as a qualifying pathway for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and FIFA World Cup. Format The tournament is divided into three stages: preliminary round, group stage, and knockout round. In the preliminary round, lower-ranked teams compete for a spot in the group stage. The group stage consists of four groups of four teams each, where the top two finishers advance to the knockout round. The knockout round features quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final to determine the champion. History The Caribbean Cup was first held in 1989 and has been contested 19 times. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have both won the tournament six times, while Cuba has triumphed four times. The tournament has been instrumental in the development of football in the Caribbean, providing a platform for players to showcase their talent and nations to compete at an international level. Qualification Nations qualify for the Caribbean Cup based on their FIFA World Ranking. The top eight teams are seeded directly into the group stage, while the remaining teams compete in the preliminary round. The tournament's format ensures that all Caribbean nations have an opportunity to participate and strive for continental success. Stars to Watch The Caribbean Cup attracts some of the region's most talented footballers. Notable players who have participated in the tournament include: * Deon Burton (Jamaica) * Dwight Yorke (Trinidad and Tobago) * Mario Ledezma (Cuba) * Yves Edwards (Guyana) * Hadji Barry (Dominican Republic) Live Stream and Broadcast Fans worldwide can enjoy live coverage of the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup on various television networks and streaming platforms. Check your local television listings or refer to the tournament's official website for specific broadcast information. Importance The CONCACAF Caribbean Cup is more than just a sporting event; it is a celebration of Caribbean football and a source of national pride. The tournament fosters unity, inspires future generations, and provides a pathway for Caribbean nations to compete against the best in the world. As the competition reaches its climax, fans eagerly await the crowning of a new Caribbean champion.